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Best Chewy, Naturally Sweetened Homemade Granola Bars

A close-up stack of chewy homemade granola bars featuring oats, chocolate chunks, and dried fruit on a white plate.
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Make chewy, wholesome granola bars at home using natural sweeteners. This base recipe is easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, chopped apricots)
  • 1/2 cup smooth nut butter (peanut or almond)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mix-ins (optional: dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Mix well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the nut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a sturdy spatula to mix everything thoroughly until all the oats and additions are evenly coated.
  5. Stir in any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips now.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan using the back of the spatula or another piece of parchment paper. Pressing firmly is key for chewy bars.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for them to set properly.
  9. Once fully cooled (about 1 hour), use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Cut into 12 or 16 bars.

Notes

  • For a no-bake version, skip step 1 and 4. Heat the wet ingredients gently on the stovetop until combined, then mix with dry ingredients and press firmly into the pan. Chill for at least 2 hours before cutting.
  • If you prefer a crispier bar, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Substitute maple syrup with honey if desired.
  • You can make this recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free rolled oats.

Nutrition

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