Who could resist the irresistibly sweet and crunchy delight of Crispy Honey Nut Granola Bars? Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, honey and dried fruit, these bars are a treat for any time of day. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast on-the-go, a midday energy boost, or a tasty snack, these bars are sure to satisfy.
You might not have old fashioned rolled oats, crisp rice cereal, or dried fruit readily available in your pantry. These items can be easily found in the breakfast or cereal aisle of your local supermarket. Also pay a visit to the bulk bins for your walnuts and almonds. Remember, you can substitute the nuts with any of your favorites.
Ingredients for Crispy Honey Nut Granola Bars
Old fashioned rolled oats: These oats are whole grain and provide a delightful chewy texture.
Walnuts: Loaded with heart-healthy fats and a great source of protein.
Almonds: Almonds add a nice crunch and are packed with vitamins.
Unsweetened coconut: Gives the bars a tropical twist and extra texture.
Honey: A natural sweetener that also binds the bars together.
Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture.
Unsalted butter: Helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a rich flavor.
Vanilla extract: Gives the bars a warm, sweet aroma and flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Crisp rice cereal: Adds a light, crispy texture.
Dried fruit: Adds a sweet and tangy taste.
One reader, Analise Zheng says:
These crispy honey nut granola bars are a game-changer! The perfect blend of crunchy nuts, sweet honey, and chewy dried fruit. They're a wholesome and delicious snack that keeps me energized throughout the day. Plus, they're so easy to make! I highly recommend trying this recipe.
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Granola Bar
How to toast oats, walnuts, and almonds: Spread the oats, walnuts, and almonds onto a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 7 minutes.
How to toast coconut: Add the coconut to the oat mixture and return it to the oven for 4 to 5 minutes until the coconut turns golden but not burnt.
How to make honey mixture: In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a rapid boil over medium-high heat, then remove from heat and set aside.
How to line a baking dish with foil: Use the reserved foil to line a 9x13-inch baking dish, then spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
How to cut granola bars: Use the foil overhang to transfer the cooled bars to a cutting board, then use a large, sharp knife to cut them into rectangles.
How To Make Crispy Honey Nut Granola Bars
Crispy granola bars are filled with coconut flakes, oats, nuts, and dried fruit to create a healthy and portable treat with just the right sweetness.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupsold fashioned rolled oats
- 1cupwalnuts,chopped
- ½cupalmonds,sliced
- ⅔cupunsweetened coconut,shredded
- ½cuphoney
- 3tbsplight brown sugar,packed
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- 1½tspvanilla extract
- ¼tspsalt,plus ⅛ tsp
- 1cupcrisp rice cereal,such as Rice Krispies
- ¾cupdried fruit,such as cranberries, diced apricots, blueberries, currants, etc
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil.
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Spread the oats, walnuts and almonds onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Place in the oven and toast for 7 minutes.
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Add the coconut and toss well with a rubber spatula, then place back in the oven to cook for 4 to 5 minutes more. Keep an eye on it towards the end; the coconut should turn golden but not burn.
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Combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract and salt in a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Whisk and bring to a rapid boil, then turn off the heat and set aside.
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Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 300 degrees F.
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Combine the oat mixture, honey mixture, rice cereal, and dried fruit in a large bowl and toss well. Reserve the aluminum foil.
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Use the reserved foil to line a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Turn the granola bar mixture out into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly, patting down with a spatula.
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Be sure the heat is reduced to 300 degrees F, then bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and cool completely for 1 to 1½ hours.
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Use the foil overhang to transfer the bars to a cutting board, then use a large, sharp knife to cut into rectangles.
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Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Store the bars in a single layer in an airtight container, or wrap the bars individually in aluminum foil, for up to a week at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories: 152.67kcal
- Fat: 6.70g
- Saturated Fat: 3.21g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.95g
- Carbohydrates: 22.78g
- Fiber: 2.51g
- Sugar: 14.10g
- Protein: 2.63g
- Cholesterol: 3.82mg
- Sodium: 39.60mg
- Calcium: 21.40mg
- Potassium: 164.41mg
- Iron: 1.28mg
- Vitamin A: 20.24µg
- Vitamin C: 0.47mg
Expert Tip for Achieving the Ideal Texture in Granola Bars
To ensure your granola bars are crispy and not too chewy, it's crucial to properly toast the oats, walnuts, and almonds in the oven. This not only enhances their flavor but also helps to remove any excess moisture. Similarly, boiling the honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt mixture until it reaches a rapid boil allows the sugar to dissolve completely, creating a smooth and sticky syrup that will bind the ingredients together effectively. Lastly, pressing the mixture firmly into the baking dish before baking will help the bars hold their shape once cut.
Time-Saving Hacks for Whipping Up Crispy Honey Nut Granola Bars
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the granola bars. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.
Use a food processor: Consider using a food processor to chop the nuts and dried fruits quickly and evenly, saving time and effort compared to chopping by hand.
Line the baking dish: Line the baking dish with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray before adding the granola mixture. This will make it easier to remove and cut the bars later, saving time on cleanup and preparation.
Batch preparation: Consider making a double batch of granola bars and freezing the extras for later use. This can save time in the long run, providing ready-made snacks for busy days.
Substitute Ingredients For Crispy Honey Nut Granola Bars Recipe
old fashioned rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can provide a similar texture and nutty flavor to oats, making them a suitable substitute in granola bars.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture to walnuts, making them a great alternative in granola bars.
almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can offer a creamy texture and mild nutty flavor, which can work well in place of almonds in granola bars.
unsweetened coconut - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can add a touch of sweetness and chewy texture, similar to coconut, in granola bars.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a similar level of sweetness and stickiness as honey, making it a suitable replacement in granola bars.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and sweetness to brown sugar, making it a good substitute in granola bars.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a rich, buttery flavor and help bind the ingredients together, similar to butter, in granola bars.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can impart a nutty and sweet flavor, similar to vanilla, in granola bars.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of saltiness and enhance the flavors in granola bars.
crisp rice cereal - Substitute with quinoa puffs: Quinoa puffs can offer a light and crispy texture, similar to rice cereal, in granola bars.
dried fruit - Substitute with freeze-dried fruit: Freeze-dried fruit can provide a concentrated burst of flavor and a crunchy texture, similar to dried fruit, in granola bars.
Creative Ways to Serve Homemade Granola Bars
Elevate the granola bars: Stack the granola bars in a Jenga-like structure to create a visually stunning presentation that showcases the layers and textures of the bars.
Garnish with edible flowers: Place delicate, colorful edible flowers such as pansies or violets on top of the granola bars to add a touch of elegance and a pop of color to the dish.
Drizzle with honey: Create an artful drizzle of honey on the plate, using a squeeze bottle, to add a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing design to the presentation.
Sprinkle with edible gold dust: Lightly dust the granola bars with edible gold dust to add a luxurious and extravagant touch, elevating the overall presentation to a Michelin-star level.
Serve on a bed of toasted coconut: Arrange the granola bars on a bed of lightly toasted coconut flakes to add a beautiful and aromatic base to the presentation, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Accompany with a quenelle of Greek yogurt: Present a quenelle of creamy Greek yogurt alongside the granola bars to provide a contrasting texture and a sophisticated element to the dish.
Use a tempered chocolate garnish: Create a delicate, decorative chocolate garnish using tempered chocolate and place it on top of the granola bars for an exquisite and professional finishing touch.
Present on a slate platter: Serve the granola bars on a sleek slate platter to provide a modern and sophisticated backdrop that complements the natural colors and textures of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Granola Bars
- Oven: You will need an oven to toast the oats, walnuts, and almonds, as well as to bake the granola bars.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to toast the oats, walnuts, and almonds in the oven.
- Heavy duty aluminum foil: This is used to line the baking sheet for toasting the oats, walnuts, and almonds, and also to line the baking dish for making the granola bars.
- Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula is used to toss the coconut and oat mixture while toasting in the oven.
- Small saucepan: You will need a small saucepan to combine and heat the honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt to make the honey mixture.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the ingredients for the honey mixture in the saucepan.
- 9x13-inch baking dish: This is used to bake the granola bar mixture.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Nonstick cooking spray is used to grease the foil-lined baking dish before adding the granola bar mixture.
- Cutting board: You will need a cutting board to cut the cooled granola bars into rectangles.
- Large, sharp knife: A large, sharp knife is used to cut the cooled granola bars into rectangles.
Preserving the Freshness: Storing and Freezing Homemade Granola Bars
To store the granola bars, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal to prevent air from entering. Place the wrapped bars in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, and store them at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the granola bars. After wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen granola bars, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they reach your desired level of chewiness. Alternatively, you can microwave a frozen bar for 10-15 seconds to speed up the thawing process.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can store the granola bars in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread will help keep the bars soft and chewy. Replace the bread slice every 2-3 days to maintain the desired texture.
To maintain the crispiness of the granola bars, ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Humidity and heat can cause the bars to become soft and lose their crunch.
Fascinating Trivia About Honey Nut Granola Bars
Granola bars are a convenient and nutritious snack option that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. They are a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a satisfying and energy-boosting treat. Granola bars are also versatile and can be packed with various dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, providing a wide range of essential nutrients. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast on the go or a midday pick-me-up, granola bars are a delicious and wholesome snack option for people of all ages.
Budget-Friendly Granola Bars: Is Homemade More Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this crispy honey nut granola bars recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. While oats, rice cereal, and dried fruit are generally affordable, the inclusion of nuts and honey may elevate the overall cost. Considering the nutritional value and the potential for multiple servings, this recipe could be rated a 7/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, factoring in the purchase of bulk ingredients.
Are Honey Nut Granola Bars a Healthy Snack?
This honey nut granola bar recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:
- Whole grains from the old-fashioned rolled oats, which provide fiber and nutrients
- Healthy fats and protein from the walnuts and almonds
- Natural sweetness from the honey and dried fruit
However, there are some less healthy components:
- Added sugars from the brown sugar and honey, which can contribute to excessive sugar intake
- Saturated fat from the butter and coconut, although in relatively small amounts
- Potential for high calorie density, depending on portion sizes
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like date paste or mashed ripe bananas
- Use a smaller amount of honey and supplement with pureed dried fruits for natural sweetness
- Replace the butter with a healthier oil like coconut oil or a small amount of nut butter for richness
- Incorporate more seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for added nutrients and crunch
- Use unsweetened dried fruits to minimize added sugars
- Cut the bars into smaller portions to control calorie intake
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the granola bars while still enjoying their satisfying texture and flavor. Experiment with different combinations of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to find your perfect balance of taste and health benefits. Remember, even with healthy ingredients, moderation is key when it comes to snacking on granola bars as part of a balanced diet.
Our Editor's Take on This Delightful Granola Bar Recipe
The combination of toasted oats, nuts, and honey in this granola bar recipe creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The addition of dried fruit adds a pleasant sweetness, while the crisp rice cereal provides a satisfying crunch. The method of toasting the ingredients enhances the overall nuttiness and depth of flavor. The bars are easy to make and can be stored for a convenient and wholesome snack. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and nutritious option for a homemade granola bar.
Why trust this Crispy Honey Nut Granola Bars Recipe:
This recipe guarantees delicious granola bars with a perfect balance of oats, nuts, and honey. The toasting process enhances the flavors, while the addition of dried fruit brings a delightful chewiness. The use of unsweetened coconut adds a tropical twist, and the combination of butter and brown sugar creates a rich, caramelized sweetness. With the added crunch of crisp rice cereal, these bars are a delightful treat for any time of day. Trust in the expertise of this recipe for a satisfying and wholesome snack.
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