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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Adjust the oven temperature down to 300°F (150°C) for the next baking phase.
- 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.
- Merge the toasted dry ingredients with the warm syrup mixture. Carefully fold in dates, apricots, and cranberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color that indicates perfect caramelization.
- 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.
- 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