Granola bars are one of those go-to snacks that can be eaten anytime throughout the day. They can help power a workout, make a great snack in between meals, or can provide an entire meal when they're eaten for breakfast. Either way, there's no denying that the salty, sweet crunchiness of granola bars can become pretty addictive.
But, granola bars can be so expensive that using them as snacks isn't always budget-conscious. And sometimes the ones found in grocery stores are just too sweet to be considered actually healthy. Luckily, they're very easy to make at home so you can add in all the health benefits you want, without breaking the bank. All you have to do is follow the tips below.
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1. Get the ratio right
There aren't a lot of hard and fast rules when it comes to making your own granola bars. After all, one of the best things about making them at home is that you can use the ingredients you like best. But like many things in the kitchen, granola bars consist of wet ingredients that are added to dry ingredients. And you have to keep the right ratio in mind while doing it.
There aren't a lot of hard and fast rules when it comes to making your own granola bars. After all, one of the best things about making them at home is that you can use the ingredients you like best. But like many things in the kitchen, granola bars consist of wet ingredients that are added to dry ingredients. And you have to keep the right ratio in mind while doing it.
If you have too many wet ingredients, you'll likely end up with granola soup rather than chewy or crispy granola bars. Not to mention that those wet ingredients will get all over your hands when you try to eat the bars. And if you don't add enough of the wet ingredients, your granola bars won't hold together and you'll be left with, just granola.
So what's the right ratio to use? It's four parts dry ingredients to one part wet ingredients. That part can be any measurement you want, whether it's a measuring cup, a coffee mug, or another container. But the measurement has to be the same for both wet and dry and the ratio of 4:1 must be followed.
2. Use rolled oats
While your granola bars can be filled with a variety of different ingredients including dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and different seeds (to name just a few), you really should use rolled oats. Oats are after all, a basic component of granola and they'll help bind all the other ingredients together.
While your granola bars can be filled with a variety of different ingredients including dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and different seeds (to name just a few), you really should use rolled oats. Oats are after all, a basic component of granola and they'll help bind all the other ingredients together.
Of course, if you want to branch out and try different grains, that's perfectly okay. That cereal you have in the pantry could very well make a delicious granola bar. Just remember that you need a grain to make up the body of the granola bar, and that grain shouldn't be too tough to eat raw (like quinoa or barley is). That's one of the reason why rolled oats are such a popular choice.
While we're talking about rolled oats, it's important that you use the right kind. Quick-cooking oats should never be used, as they won't hold up as well in your granola bars.
3. Toast your ingredients
You really should toast the ingredients that need it before making your granola bar. But of course, it doesn't make sense to toast all of your ingredients such as chocolate chips or dried fruit. But ingredients such as your oats, seeds, and nuts should always be toasted before adding them to granola bars. This will help dry them out, so they won't release moisture that will knock your ratio off balance, and it will bring out their flavor so you'll be able to identify exactly what you're eating when you tuck into your homemade granola bars.
You really should toast the ingredients that need it before making your granola bar. But of course, it doesn't make sense to toast all of your ingredients such as chocolate chips or dried fruit. But ingredients such as your oats, seeds, and nuts should always be toasted before adding them to granola bars. This will help dry them out, so they won't release moisture that will knock your ratio off balance, and it will bring out their flavor so you'll be able to identify exactly what you're eating when you tuck into your homemade granola bars.
To toast your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the ingredients you're going to toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and then place them in the oven for 10 - 15 minutes, just until they begin to brown and dry out.
4. Choose your binder
All granola bars need something that will help bind them together, so they stay in those beautiful bar shapes when it's time to enjoy them. This is where your wet ingredients come into play, and you have a couple of choices here. Maple syrup can bring a new and exciting flavor to granola bars, but it doesn't hold up as well as honey. And if you want something that will really hold that bar together without bringing too much sweetness, many people rely on brown rice syrup for their granola bars.
All granola bars need something that will help bind them together, so they stay in those beautiful bar shapes when it's time to enjoy them. This is where your wet ingredients come into play, and you have a couple of choices here. Maple syrup can bring a new and exciting flavor to granola bars, but it doesn't hold up as well as honey. And if you want something that will really hold that bar together without bringing too much sweetness, many people rely on brown rice syrup for their granola bars.
To add the binder, toast whatever ingredients need it and then place all of your dry ingredients into a large bowl. Add the binder of your choice and then mix everything together very thoroughly, keeping in mind that in order for the binder to work best, it should lightly coat all the other ingredients.
5. Pack them firmly
While the binder will do some of the work holding those granola bars together, they're also going to need a little bit of elbow grease on your part.
While the binder will do some of the work holding those granola bars together, they're also going to need a little bit of elbow grease on your part.
After all of the ingredients have been mixed together, you'll need to pack them into a dish, and you'll need to pack them very firmly. Line the dish you're using with parchment paper and then add all the ingredients into the dish. Spread the ingredients out so the surface is even and then start pressing. Push your hands down as you pack the ingredients together and make sure that you get every inch of the ingredients to ensure everything is tightly packed together. This can take several minutes so be patient and know that your granola bars will be worth every bit of effort.
Sometimes when packing the ingredients, they can stick to your hands. And this can be especially true with rolled oats. To prevent that from happening, wet your hands a little bit and the ingredients won't stick to them. You can also use a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to help you pack your granola bars in tight.
6. Bake for crispy granola bars
Some people like their granola bars a bit on the chewy side while others like theirs crispy. And when you make them at home, that decision is completely up to you. If crispy granola bars tickle your fancy, all you have to do is bake them.
Some people like their granola bars a bit on the chewy side while others like theirs crispy. And when you make them at home, that decision is completely up to you. If crispy granola bars tickle your fancy, all you have to do is bake them.
To do it, place the packed granola bars into a 325 degree oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges of the bars start to turn golden brown. Once the granola bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to completely cool. Then remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper and allow them to sit for another hour before slicing.
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7. Non-bake for chewy granola bars
If you don't like your granola bars crispy, preferring instead to dig into one that is chewy, it's even simpler - just don't bake them. But the granola bars will need longer to set up without a cooking time. After the granola bars have been firmly packed into their dish, place them in the fridge for at least a few hours. This will let the honey or syrup firm up, keeping your bars intact once it's time to slice them up.
If you don't like your granola bars crispy, preferring instead to dig into one that is chewy, it's even simpler - just don't bake them. But the granola bars will need longer to set up without a cooking time. After the granola bars have been firmly packed into their dish, place them in the fridge for at least a few hours. This will let the honey or syrup firm up, keeping your bars intact once it's time to slice them up.