Homemade Chocolate Granola Bars : Your New Go-To Snack

Homemade Chocolate Granola Bars are perfect for a quick snack or a healthy treat on the go. These bars combine the crunchiness of granola with the rich taste of chocolate, and they’re packed with nuts and seeds for added nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (dark, milk, or a mix)
• Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Toast the Oats and Nuts:
   • Spread the oats and chopped almonds on a baking sheet.
   • Toast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden.
   • Remove from the oven and let cool.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, mix the toasted oats and almonds with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and salt. If using, add the dried cranberries or raisins.
4. Prepare the Syrup:
   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), butter (or coconut oil), and brown sugar.
   • Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Pour the syrup mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is coated.
6. Add Chocolate Chips:
   • Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes before adding the chocolate chips to prevent them from melting.
7. Press into Pan:
   • Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared pan.
   • Press firmly into an even layer using the back of a spatula or damp hands (the firmer the press, the less crumbly the bars will be).
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
9. Cool and Slice:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
   • Using the overhangs, lift the bars out of the pan, and slice into rectangles or squares.
10. Store:
    • Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Suggestion:

• For an extra touch of flavor, try dipping each granola bar into melted dark chocolate.

These homemade Chocolate Granola Bars are not only easy to make but also customizable with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. They make a nutritious snack that’s perfect for any time of the day!