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Homemade Granola Bars

This recipe creates delightful homemade granola bars, featuring toasted oats, almonds, and coconut, bound with a sweet honey-brown sugar syrup. Enriched with dried dates, apricots, and cranberries, these easy-to-make bars offer a wholesome and satisfying snack. The process involves toasting dry ingredients, combining with a cooked syrup, pressing into a pan, baking, and cooling for a firm, chewy treat.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 3578.4
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup shredded coconut loosely packed
  • 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Equipment

  • 1 8x12-inch Baking Dish Or similar rectangular baking pan
  • 1 Large Sheet Pan For toasting dry ingredients
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Small Saucepan
  • 1 Heat-Resistant Spatula For stirring and pressing

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
  2. Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.
  3. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
  4. Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Ensure even toasting of the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut; this step is vital for developing depth of flavor and a superior texture in your granola bars. Stirring frequently during baking prevents burning and promotes uniform browning. When boiling the wet ingredients, cooking for precisely one minute after reaching a boil helps create a slightly thicker syrup, improving the binding power of the mixture. The pressing step is crucial for bar integrity; use wet hands or parchment paper on top to achieve a compact, even layer. Adequate cooling time (at least 2-3 hours, or even chilling in the refrigerator) is non-negotiable for clean, firm cuts. For variation, consider incorporating mini chocolate chips, different dried fruits, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.