Fruit Granola Bars are the perfect snack for busy days! These delightful bars are studded with wholesome oats, crunchy nuts, and a variety of dried fruits, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare, they make for a nutritious on-the-go option that both kids and adults will enjoy. Whether it’s for breakfast, a lunchbox treat, or a mid-afternoon snack, these granola bars are sure to satisfy!
Table of Contents
- Fruit Granola Bars Recipe
- Ingredients for Fruit Granola Bars
- How to Make Fruit Granola Bars
- Tips for Making Fruit Granola Bars
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Fruit Granola Bars
- Reheating Fruit Granola Bars
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
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- Coconut Chia Pudding
Fruit Granola Bars
- Perfect for Busy Days. These easy-to-make granola bars are great for when you need a quick energy boost. Just mix, bake, and cut for a wholesome treat!
- Customizable and Delicious. With endless options for fruits and nuts, you can personalize your granola bars to suit your tastes! Use your favorite mix-ins for a unique twist.
Ingredients for Fruit Granola Bars
- Old-Fashioned Oats: The base of the granola bars, providing whole grain goodness and a chewy texture.
- Nuts (such as almonds or walnuts): Adds crunch and healthy fats. Feel free to swap with your choice of nuts.
- Dried Fruits (like cranberries or raisins): Provides natural sweetness and fruity flavor. You can use fresh fruits, but they’ll alter the texture.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Acts as a binder while adding sweetness. Adjust according to your taste preference.
- Peanut or Almond Butter: Adds richness and binds the ingredients together. Can be substituted with any nut or seed butter.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor; optional but highly recommended.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the overall taste.
How to Make Fruit Granola Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruits.
- In another bowl, whisk together honey or maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips for Making Fruit Granola Bars
- Chill the Bars: After baking, chilling the bars in the refrigerator will help them to set up and stay together better.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your oats, nuts, and dried fruits are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t limit yourself to just one flavor; try adding spices like cinnamon or even chocolate chips for variety!
Make-Ahead Instructions
- You can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator before baking.
- Pre-cut the bars after cooling for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Freezing Fruit Granola Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Reheating Fruit Granola Bars
- If you prefer warm bars, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
- Ensure to check the heating time, as microwaving too long can make them chewy.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
Fresh fruits can be used, but they may alter the texture and moisture content of the bars.
What can I use instead of honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The granola bars should be golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch in the center.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes! If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit nuts entirely or replace them with seeds.
How thick should the bars be?
For best results, aim for a thickness of about 1 inch in the baking dish.
