Make granola bars at home — here’s how

Homemade granola bars are an easy, healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. They’re customisable, budget-friendly and made with simple pantry ingredients, making them perfect for breakfast on the go or a quick snack. (Source: Photo by unsplash )

Ingredients You will Need: To make granola bars at home, you’ll need rolled oats, mixed nuts and seeds such as almonds, peanuts or pumpkin seeds, dried fruits like raisins or dates, a natural sweetener such as honey or maple syrup, nut butter for binding, and a pinch of salt. Optional additions like dark chocolate chips, cinnamon or vanilla can be added for extra flavour. (Source: Photo by unsplash )

Roast for Extra Crunch: For better texture and flavour, lightly roast the rolled oats and nuts in a dry pan or in the oven until they turn aromatic and slightly golden. This step adds crunch and prevents the bars from becoming soft or soggy once set. (Source: Photo by unsplash )

Make the Sticky Batter: In a pan on low heat, warm the nut butter along with honey or maple syrup, salt and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy, this sticky mixture acts as the binder that holds all the ingredients together. (Source: Photo by unsplash )

Mix Everything Together: Transfer the toasted oats, nuts and dried fruits into a large mixing bowl and pour the warm binder over them. Mix thoroughly, ensuring that every ingredient is evenly coated so the bars hold together well and taste balanced. (Source: Photo by unsplash )

Press, Don't Just Spread: Line a tray with parchment paper and transfer the mixture into it. Press it down firmly using a spoon or the back of a bowl, pressing well is essential to prevent the granola bars from crumbling after they are cut. (Source: Photo by unsplash )

Set, Slice and Store: Refrigerate the tray for 2 to 3 hours to set the bars for a chewy texture, or bake at 170°C for 15 to 18 minutes if you prefer crunchy granola bars. Once set, slice into bars and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. (Source: Photo by unsplash )