Granola Bar Recipe
These granola bars combine crunchy peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and rolled oats with a tasty mix of almonds, dry roasted peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut. Lightly sweetened with maple syrup and granulated sugar, they offer a delicious and nutritious option for any time of day.
Creating these granola bars is quick and fun! Whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with your own mix-ins, you’ll have a delicious snack that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday energy boost, or packing in lunchboxes for a back-to-school treat.
Why you’ll love these Homemade Granola Bars
Packed with Protein
These granola bars aren’t just tasty; they’re also a powerhouse of nutrition. Each bar contains over 10g of protein, making them an excellent choice to keep you fueled throughout the day. Whether you’re grabbing one on the go or enjoying it as a post-workout treat, you’ll love how satisfying and flavorful they are.
Ingredients needed for Homemade Granola Bars
- Peanut butter – Not only does it add a delightful crunch to your bars, but peanut butter is also a great source of protein and healthy fats. It helps to bind the ingredients together while providing a rich, nutty flavor.
- Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavor, along with a boost of protein and probiotics that are good for your gut health. It helps keep the bars moist and adds nutritional value.
- Egg – The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold all the ingredients together. It also adds a bit of extra protein and contributes to the structure and texture of the bars.
- Maple Syrup -This adds a warm, rich sweetness to the bars. If you prefer, you can substitute maple syrup with honey for a slightly different flavor. Both options work great and keep the bars naturally sweetened.
- Granulated Sugar – A small amount of granulated sugar helps balance the flavors and ensures the bars have the right amount of sweetness. It also helps with the caramelization process during baking.
- Rolled Oats – Rolled oats are a fantastic source of fiber and whole grains. They add a chewy texture and help keep you full longer. Plus, they are great for heart health.
- Nuts and seeds – Almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and coconut all add extra crunch and a savory depth to the bars. They are also a good source of protein and healthy fats, making the bars more filling and nutritious. Feel free to swap them out for your favorite nuts and seeds to customize the bars to your taste!
- All-Purpose Flour – A small amount of flour helps to give the bars structure and stability. It absorbs some of the moisture from the wet ingredients, ensuring the bars hold together well.
- Chocolate Chips – Chocolate chips on top add a touch of extra sweetness. They melt slightly during baking, creating a delicious, gooey topping that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
How to make Granola Bars:
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Mix peanut butter, greek yogurt, and 1 egg until smooth.
Stir in maple syrup and sugar.
Add in oats and salt.
Fold in the nuts and seeds.
Stir in the flour until fully combined.
Press the mixture into the silicone mold and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers:
- Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars for that extra chocolate flavor.
- Fruit and Nut:
- Mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Up:
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Zest:
- Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the mixture for a refreshing, citrusy twist that brightens up the flavor of your granola bars.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast On-the-Go: For a quick and easy breakfast, pair a granola bar with a piece of fruit and a cup of coffee.
- Afternoon Snack: Crumble a granola bar over a bowl of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh berries.
- Post-Workout Fuel: Grab a granola bar after your workout to help replenish your energy and protein levels.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store these granola bars?
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. - Can I make ahead and freeze these granola bars?
Yes, you can make these granola bars ahead of tiime and freeze them for up to 3 months. Place the cooled bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
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Tips & Tricks
- Press Firmly:
- When pressing the mixture into the mold or pan, use parchment paper or the back of a spoon to ensure it’s packed tightly and evenly.
- Cool Completely:
- Let the bars cool completely in the mold or pan before removing to prevent them from falling apart.
- Baking Time:
- Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for a golden-brown edge and a set center to ensure they’re done. If the edges brown too quickly, you can cover the mold loosely with foil.
- Batch Making:
- Make a double batch and freeze half for later. They make excellent emergency snacks!
Recommended
Easy Snacks
FAQ
Granola Bar Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Silicone bar molds (or an 8×8-inch baking pan)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- ½ cup dry roasted peanuts
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the silicone molds or an 8×8 baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, and 1 large egg. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of maple syrup and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until fully incorporated.
- Add 2 cups of rolled oats and 1/4 tsp of salt to the wet mixture. Mix well to ensure the oats are evenly distributed.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds, 1/2 cup of dry roasted peanuts, 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds, and 1/4 cup of shredded coconut. Ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture holds together well.
- Press the mixture evenly into each cavity of the silicone bar mold or baking pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top, pressing them lightly into the mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set in the center.
- Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the mold before removing them. Gently pop each bar out of the mold once they are fully cooled.
- If using an 8×8 baking pan, let it cool completely before cutting into bars