Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts!
Are you tired of the same old store-bought granola bars that are either too hard, too sweet, or just plain boring? Well, get ready to revolutionize your snacking game with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious homemade soft granola bars! These are not your average crunchy, teeth-breaking bars; they are the perfect blend of chewy, salty-sweet goodness that will keep you energized and satisfied.
Why These Granola Bars are a Must-Try
These bars are the perfect balance of Larabar simplicity, Sunbelt softness, and KIND bar crunchiness. What makes them truly special is their versatility. You can easily adapt the ingredients to your liking, making them a perfect option for everyone in the family.
What you'll need:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups twisted pretzels, crushed (about 1 heaping cup)
- 1/2 cup salted peanut halves
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make These Delicious Bars
- Prep the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, crushed pretzels, and salted peanut halves.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Press into Pan: Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the pan.
- Freeze: Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
- Cut and Store: Remove from the freezer, take the bars out of the pan, and cut them into individual bars. Wrap them individually and store in the freezer for those grab-and-go moments!
Customization Tips
- Texture: If you prefer a more varied texture, pulse half of the mixture through a food processor and then stir it back into the remaining mix before pressing it into the pan.
- Additions: Feel free to toss in dried fruits, chocolate chips, more nuts, or seeds! This recipe is your canvas, so get creative.
- Adjust: If the mixture seems too dry, add more peanut butter or honey. If it’s too wet, throw in a few more oats or crushed pretzels.
Why These Are Great For You
Not only are these bars incredibly delicious and easy to make, but they are also packed with goodness. Oats provide fiber, which aids digestion, while peanut butter and nuts add protein and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied between meals. The natural sweetness from honey avoids unnecessary processed sugar. These bars are a fantastic way to curb those mid-afternoon cravings in a healthy and nutritious way. They're also very portable and are the ideal snack to bring with you on hikes, road trips, or just about anywhere you need a convenient and nutritious snack.
These homemade soft granola bars are a game-changer! They’re so simple and customizable that you’ll wonder why you ever bought those store-bought bars. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a sweet treat, these bars are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy making these and don't hesitate to experiment with various ingredients to discover your favorite combination!