Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the dried fruits: Start by chopping the prunes, dates, dried cranberries, apricots, and raisins into small pieces. These will act as the natural sweeteners in your bars, so you want them evenly distributed.
Toast the nuts and seeds: In a dry pan over medium heat, lightly toast the peanuts, sesame seeds, and mixed seeds. Toasting enhances their flavor, giving them a slightly roasted taste. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Melt the Wet Ingredients
Melt butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the 50g of butter (or your oil of choice). Once melted, add in the honey (or jam, syrup) and stir gently until well combined. Be careful not to overheat the mixture—it should be warm but not boiling. Add the vanilla extract or vanillin and cinnamon, stirring to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Mix the oats with nuts and seeds: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flakes, toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and mixed seeds. Add the chopped dried fruits into this mixture.
Add the wet ingredients: Pour the melted honey-butter mixture into the bowl with the oats and fruit mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the dry ingredients are coated with the wet mixture. This sticky combination is what will hold your bars together.
Step 4: Shape and Press the Mixture
Prepare a baking dish: Line a baking dish (preferably 9×13 inches or similar) with parchment paper, allowing some paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
Press the mixture into the dish: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the mixture down firmly. The firmer you press, the more compact your bars will be, which helps them hold together better.
Step 5: Bake the Granola Bars
Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the granola bars for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. This baking step ensures the bars have a firm, chewy texture.
Cool completely: Once baked, remove the granola bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Once they are completely cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer them to a cutting board.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Slice the bars: Using a sharp knife, cut the granola into evenly sized bars or squares, depending on your preference. You should be able to get about 20 pieces from this batch.
Serve and enjoy: Your homemade fruit and nut granola bars are now ready to be enjoyed!
Nutrition Facts (Per Bar, Approximately)
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 12g (from honey and dried fruits)
Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey with other liquid sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave syrup, or even fruit jam. Keep in mind that different sweeteners may alter the flavor slightly, but they will all work well to bind the bars.
2. Are these bars vegan-friendly?
If you use a plant-based butter substitute like coconut oil and replace honey with maple syrup or agave, these granola bars can be made vegan.
3. Can I add chocolate or other toppings to these bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or drizzle melted chocolate over the bars after they’ve cooled for an extra indulgent treat.
4. How do I store these granola bars?
Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure you use gluten-free certified oats to make the recipe gluten-free.
Tips for Making the Best Granola Bars
Firm pressing is key: When pressing the granola mixture into the baking dish, make sure to press it down firmly. This will ensure the bars hold together when cut and don’t crumble apart.
Customize the ingredients: Feel free to switch up the dried fruits and nuts based on what you have at home. You can use other dried fruits like figs or cherries, and swap peanuts for almonds or walnuts.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but not too dark, as overbaking can make the bars too hard.
Storage Tips
Room temperature: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking.
Refrigeration: To keep them fresher for longer, refrigerate the bars. They will last for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Freezing: If you’d like to freeze these granola bars, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the bars at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Conclusion
These Homemade Fruit and Nut Granola Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, energy-boosting snack that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Packed with oats, dried fruits, and nuts, they provide a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a satisfying chewy texture. Whether you’re fueling up before a workout or need a quick midday snack, these bars are sure to hit the spot. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make them exactly how you like. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of these homemade granola bars anytime!
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