Trail Mix Granola Bars

Trail Mix Granola Bars are an easy and delicious snack that is perfect for busy days, outdoor adventures, or even a quick breakfast on the go. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars offer a delightful combination of crunchy, chewy, and sweet flavors that will keep you fueled throughout the day.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 190
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 50mg

Why Make This Trail Mix Granola Bars

There are countless reasons to make Trail Mix Granola Bars at home. First, they’re a healthy alternative to store-bought snacks that often contain added sugars and preservatives. Second, you can customize the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you prefer crunchy nuts or sweet dried fruits, these bars can easily be tailored to suit your cravings. Plus, they are super easy to prepare and require just one bowl!

How to Make Trail Mix Granola Bars

Creating your own Trail Mix Granola Bars is simple. Just gather your ingredients, follow the steps below, and you’ll be enjoying chewy, nutty bars packed with goodness in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup nut butter (e.g., almond butter, peanut butter)
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, raisins, apricots)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, salt, and dried fruits. If you’re using chocolate chips, feel free to toss them in too!

• Step 3: Cooking

  In a small saucepan, heat the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter over medium heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this warm mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.

• Step 4: Finishing

  Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to ensure that the bars hold together once baked. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Once done, let it cool completely in the dish before lifting the parchment paper to remove it. Cut into bars and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to Serve Trail Mix Granola Bars

Serve your Trail Mix Granola Bars as a quick breakfast option, a mid-afternoon snack, or a post-workout treat. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of yogurt for added protein and calcium.

How to Store Trail Mix Granola Bars

These granola bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just wrap them individually for easy grab-and-go options later.

Expert Tips for Perfect Trail Mix Granola Bars

1. Press Firmly: Make sure to press the granola mixture firmly into the baking dish to avoid crumbly bars.
2. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap out the nuts or dried fruits based on what you have on hand.
3. Stay Close While Baking: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the granola bars during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
4. Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely helps them set up nicely for cutting.
5. Line with Foil: For an easy removal, line your dish with foil instead of parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the bars out.

Delicious Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter and omit the mixed nuts for a nut-free treat.
• Protein Boost: Add in a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the wet mixture for an extra boost.
• Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Increase the chocolate chips to 1/2 cup and add a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the dry mix for a rich chocolate flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rolled oats instead of instant oats?
   Yes, rolled oats work perfectly for this recipe, and they provide great texture.

2. What is the best nut butter to use?
   Almond butter and peanut butter are popular choices, but feel free to use any nut butter you like.

3. How can I make these bars vegan?
   Use maple syrup instead of honey and a nut butter that is free from added sugars or oils.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, simply ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.

5. What to do if my granola bars are too crumbly?
   If your bars fall apart, they may not have been pressed firmly enough into the dish, or they may need more binding agent, like nut butter or syrup.

Conclusion

Trail Mix Granola Bars are not only a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious snack, but they’re also versatile enough for any time of the day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can make these tasty treats at home. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own wholesome granola bars and feel free to experiment with different add-ins. Happy cooking!

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