In the world of breakfast and snacking, chewy granola bars stand supreme, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you're an avid hiker seeking portable energy or simply a lover of wholesome treats, creating thick, chewy granola bars at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With careful selection of ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can craft delectable granola bars that are packed with wholesome goodness and bursting with irresistible chewiness. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the secrets of crafting the perfect thick and chewy granola bars, providing step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and a collection of mouthwatering recipes to satisfy every palate.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
HEALTHY THICK CHEWY GRANOLA BARS
This was adapted from King Arthur Flour, however I tried to use healthier ingredients. I love this recipe as it is extreamly easy and flexible. This is a basic granola bar that you can add anything to. I try to make this weekly as a quick on the go breakfest or a healthy snack during the day. I've double the recipe and keep extras in the freezer.
Provided by sawanybird
Categories Breakfast
Time 45m
Yield 6 bars, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Pre heat oven to 350°F Line an 8"x8"x2" pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper and the exposed pan or coat with a non-stick spray.
- Stir together all the dry ingredients, including the fruit and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla, melted butter or margarine, liquid sweeteners, water, and nut butter until smooth. Toss the wet incredients witht eh dry until the mixture is evenly curmbly. Spread in the prepared pan, pressing them in firmly.
- Bake the bars for 28-35 minutes, until they're lightly browned on the edges. They will still sem soft and underbaked when you press the centre. Let cool fully before cutting in to squares with the serrated knife. I sometimes put them in the freezer befor cutting so the cut smoothly.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in the freezer.
- *My favorite add ins are dried cherries, chocolate chips, pecans and seasme seeds. However you can add dried cranberries, apricots, apples, pears, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, coconut, or any other dried fruit or nuts. I sometimes even add protien powder or dried greens.
THICK, CHEWY GRANOLA BARS
Yield 20 bars
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8″ x 8″ x 2″ pan in one direction with parchment paper, allowing it to go up the opposing sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper and the exposed pan, or coat with a non-stick spray. Stir together all the dry ingredients, including the fruit and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla, melted butter or oil, syrup or honey, and water. Toss the wet ingredients with the dry until the mixture is evenly crumbly. Spread in the prepared pan, shaking the pan to evenly cover the bottom and patting down gently Bake the bars for 30 to 40 minutes, until they're brown around the edges - don't be afraid to get a little color on them. They'll still seem soft and almost underbaked in the center when you take them out but do not worry, they'll set completely once they cool. Cool the bars in their pan completely on a cooling rack. (Alternately, after about 20 minutes you can use your parchment "sling" to lift and remove the bars, and place them in their paper on the rack to cool the rest of the way.) Once cool, a serrated knife (or bench knife) to cut the bars into squares. To store, wrap the bars individually in plastic or stack them in an airtight container. In humid weather, it's best to store bars in the refrigerator. They also freeze well. *Suggestions: Dried cranberries, apricots, pecans, sunflower seeds, coconut, walnuts, sesame seeds, pepitas, dried pples or even chocolate chips. My mix: 1/2 cup wheat germ, 1 cup dried cherries, 1 cup walnuts, 1/2 cup pecans and 1/2 cup dried unsweetened coconut flakes. Because my pieces were all pretty coarse, I pulsed them in the food processor a few times to break it up a little, though this isn't necessary if you don't mind yours chunkier.
Tips:
- Use a variety of oats. This will give your granola bars a more complex flavor and texture. You can use rolled oats, quick-cooking oats, or steel-cut oats.
- Add your favorite nuts and seeds. This is a great way to add extra flavor, crunch, and nutrients to your granola bars. Some popular options include almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, and flax seeds.
- Sweeten your granola bars with honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners are a healthier alternative to refined sugar. You can also add dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries, for extra sweetness.
- Use a little bit of oil to help the granola bars bind together. This will also help to keep them moist and chewy. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil.
- Bake your granola bars at a low temperature. This will help to prevent them from burning. The ideal baking temperature is 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let your granola bars cool completely before cutting them into bars. This will help them to hold their shape better.
Conclusion:
Granola bars are a delicious and healthy snack that are perfect for on-the-go. They are also a great way to use up leftover oats and nuts. With a little bit of planning, you can easily make your own granola bars at home. Just be sure to follow the tips above to ensure that your granola bars turn out perfect.
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