Description
These homemade Honey Oat Granola Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack, packed with toasted oats, crunchy almonds, and a touch of honey and brown sugar for natural sweetness. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and enhanced by ground flaxseed, they offer a satisfying texture and flavor. These bars are easy to make and great for on-the-go snacking or a nutritious treat any time of the day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole almonds (chopping optional)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Toast Oats & Almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a rimmed half baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the rolled oats and whole almonds in an even layer on the baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring regularly until they turn light brown and release a nutty, toasty fragrance.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8” x 8” square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the granola bars.
- Make the Syrup Mixture: While the oats and almonds are toasting, combine the honey, dark brown sugar, and unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the ingredients melt together into a smooth mixture.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the salt, cinnamon, and vanilla paste into the melted mixture. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the toasted oats and almonds along with the ground flaxseed into the syrup mixture. Stir until all components are evenly coated and distributed for a uniform mixture.
- Shape the Bars: Scrape the mixture into the prepared 8” x 8” pan and use a piece of parchment paper to firmly press and level it out to the edges. This will compact the mixture for bars that hold together well.
- Chill to Set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the granola bars to harden and become sliceable.
- Cut and Serve: Once solid, lift the granola block out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and use a very sharp knife to cut into 12 evenly sized bars. Enjoy immediately or store for later snacking.
Notes
- Chopping the almonds is optional, but smaller pieces will make the bars easier to cut and eat.
- You can swap almonds for other nuts like walnuts or pecans depending on preference.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
- Pressing the mixture firmly before chilling is crucial for the bars to hold together well.
- Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American