Simple & Sweet Ina Garten Granola Bars Recipe You’ll Love

Granola bars burst with nutritional goodness and homemade charm, offering a delightful blend of crunchy textures and sweet-savory notes.

These compact powerhouses pack incredible flavor into every delectable bite.

Crafting your own granola bars allows complete control over ingredients and nutritional content.

Home bakers can transform simple pantry staples into a satisfying treat that energizes and delights.

Mixing wholesome elements like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits creates a balanced snack perfect for any moment.

Each bar represents a personalized culinary adventure that speaks to your unique taste preferences.

The best part about these handheld delights involves their versatility and ease of preparation: enjoy them as a quick breakfast, midday boost, or pre-workout fuel.

Why Ina Garten Granola Bars Are Always Handy

• Elevate Breakfast Bliss: These homemade granola bars transform ordinary mornings into delightful culinary experiences with their perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
• Master Customizable Nutrition: Packed with wholesome ingredients like almonds, oats, and dried fruits, these bars offer a flexible recipe that lets you swap or add ingredients based on personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Craft Bakery-Quality Treats: The precise toasting method for oats and nuts creates a rich, deep flavor profile that rivals professional bakery snacks, delivering restaurant-level deliciousness right from your home kitchen.
• Enjoy Stress-Free Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal complicated techniques, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers to create professional-looking granola bars without overwhelming complexity.

What Goes Inside Ina Garten Granola Bars

• Oatmeal: A hearty base that provides a filling and nutritious foundation for the granola bars.
• Almonds: Adds crunch, healthy fats, and a rich nutty flavor to the bars.
• Coconut: Brings a tropical sweetness and extra texture to the mixture.
• Wheat Germ: Boosts nutritional value with additional protein and essential minerals.

• Butter, Honey, Sugar: Create a sticky binding syrup that holds the granola bars together with a delightful sweetness.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors in the recipe.

• Dates, Apricots, Cranberries: Provide natural sweetness, chewy texture, and a burst of fruity flavor to complement the nutty base.

How to Make Chewy and Nutty Granola Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×12-inch baking pan with butter. Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Create a Toasty Base

• Rolled oats
• Whole almonds
• Shredded coconut

Spread these ingredients on a sheet pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they turn a light golden brown. Transfer the toasted mixture to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in wheat germ and mix gently.

Step 3: Lower the Heat

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.

Step 4: Craft the Sweet Binding Sauce

• Unsalted butter
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue until butter melts and sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling to prevent burning.

Step 5: Merge Flavors

• Chopped dates
• Dried apricots
• Dried cranberries

Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press down firmly and create an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This will take approximately 2-3 hours. Once cooled, lift the entire block out using the parchment paper edges. Place on a cutting board and slice into individual bars using a sharp knife.

Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Tips to Keep Your Granola Bars from Falling Apart

• Precisely Portion Ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of oats, almonds, and coconut, creating bars that hold together beautifully.
• Boost Flavor Through Toasting: Spreading ingredients evenly on a baking sheet and toasting until golden brown develops a rich, nutty depth that transforms the entire granola bar experience.
• Gentle Syrup Heating: Warm the syrup mixture just until butter and sugar dissolve, preventing scorching and maintaining a smooth, silky texture that binds the ingredients perfectly.
• Compress for Cohesion: Apply firm, even pressure when pressing the mixture into the baking dish, guaranteeing compact bars that won't crumble when you bite into them.
• Patience Pays Off: Allowing the granola bars to cool completely before cutting ensures clean, precise slices and helps the bars maintain their structural integrity.

Storage Tips for Ina Garten Granola Bars

• Sealed Container Method: Protect bars in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid, preventing moisture and maintaining crispness. Line container bottom with parchment paper to absorb potential condensation and preserve texture.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Individually wrap each granola bar in parchment paper, then place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label bag with date and contents for easy tracking. Bars remain perfectly preserved for 3 months, ready for quick grab-and-go snacking.
• Room Temperature Storage Method: Keep bars in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Stack bars between sheets of wax paper inside a ceramic or metal container with a secure lid. Best consumed within 7-10 days for maximum flavor and optimal texture.

Mix-ins to Personalize Ina Garten Granola Bars

• Tropical Paradise Bars: Swap cranberries and apricots with dried mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes for a beach-inspired granola bar experience.
• Nutty Chocolate Companion: Mix in dark chocolate chips and replace almonds with a combination of pecans and walnuts for a rich, indulgent version.
• Seeds and Spice Blend: Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to create a protein-packed, warming granola bar with deeper flavor complexity.
• Berry Antioxidant Boost: Replace dried fruits with a mix of dried blueberries, goji berries, and chopped dried raspberries for an antioxidant-rich snack that supports overall wellness.

Closing Thoughts on Ina Garten Granola Bars

Granola bars from Ina Garten’s kitchen embody pure culinary magic, blending wholesome ingredients with sophisticated charm.

Mediterranean-inspired dried fruits dance alongside toasted nuts, creating flavor symphonies that elevate snacking experiences.

Home bakers can craft these delightful bars with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Pantry staples transform into gourmet treats that surprise and delight family gatherings.

Homemade goodness radiates through each carefully crafted bar, promising healthier alternatives to store-bought versions.

Passionate cooks, share this delectable recipe, spark conversations in comment sections, spread culinary inspiration across social platforms, and celebrate kitchen creativity with fellow enthusiasts.

Ina Garten Granola Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s homemade granola bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors from wholesome ingredients. Packed with rolled oats, almonds, and honey, these delightful bars offer a delicious energy boost you’ll crave for breakfast or snack time.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 cup (120 g) sliced almonds
• 1 cup (80 g) shredded coconut, loosely packed
• ½ cup (60 g) toasted wheat germ
• ½ cup (80 g) chopped pitted dates
• ½ cup (80 g) chopped dried apricots
• ½ cup (80 g) dried cranberries

Liquid and Sweeteners:

• 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) honey
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, lightly packed

Seasonings:

• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×12-inch (20×30 centimeters) baking dish and line it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Create a toasted base by spreading oatmeal, almonds, and coconut on a sheet pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the mixture develops a light golden hue. Transfer the toasted ingredients to a large mixing bowl and incorporate wheat germ, mixing thoroughly.
3. Adjust the oven temperature down to 300°F (150°C) for the next baking phase.
4. Craft the binding syrup by combining butter, honey, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan. Gently heat over medium temperature, stirring until butter melts and sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling to prevent scorching.
5. Merge the toasted dry ingredients with the warm syrup mixture. Carefully fold in dates, apricots, and cranberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or clean hands to press down firmly, creating a compact and even layer across the pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color that indicates perfect caramelization.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan for 2-3 hours. This resting period helps the bars set and become firm.
9. Once fully cooled, lift the entire block out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Place on a cutting board and slice into uniform bars using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Grab fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your homemade granola bars.
• Carefully spread oats, almonds, and coconut on a baking sheet, creating an even layer for perfect golden-brown toasting.
• Gently warm the syrup mixture, stirring constantly to help butter and sugar blend smoothly without burning.
• Apply firm, even pressure when pressing the mixture into the pan, creating compact bars that hold together beautifully.
• Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, giving them time to set and develop a delightful chewy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg