Soft and Chewy Granola Bars

Table of Contents

why make this recipe

These soft and chewy granola bars are quick to make and taste like a treat. They use simple pantry items and no special tools. Make a batch to have easy snacks for the week or for lunch boxes.

introduction

These bars stay soft, not hard or crumbly. They have oats, almonds, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips. If you want other quick meal ideas to serve with snacks, see our best sandwich recipes for simple pairings.

how to make Soft and Chewy Granola Bars

Toast the oats and almonds, then mix them with a warm butter-honey-sugar syrup. Press the mix into a pan, chill, and cut into bars. You can pair these bars with a warm meal like mac and cheese for a simple lunch.

Ingredients :

• 2 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
• 1/3 cup pure honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
2. Add the oats and chopped almonds to a small baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Stir and bake another 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly toasted. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts, the mixture bubbles, and the sugar dissolves.
4. Pour the butter mixture into the bowl with toasted oats and almonds. Mix well. Let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the cranberries and 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips. Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan and press it into the pan firmly using a rubber spatula.
6. Scatter the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips over the pressed granola mixture and gently press them into the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Remove the block of granola mixture from the pan and peel away the foil or parchment. Cut into 12 bars. Store granola bars in an airtight container for a few weeks in the fridge.

how to serve Soft and Chewy Granola Bars

Serve them cold or at room temperature. They make a good snack with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a glass of milk. Pack one in a lunch box or bring a few on a hike.

how to store Soft and Chewy Granola Bars

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay soft and fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before eating.

tips to make Soft and Chewy Granola Bars

• Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold together.
• Cool the syrup slightly before adding to the oats so chocolate chips do not melt.
• Use a warm knife to cut clean bars: dip the knife in hot water, dry it, then cut.
• Swap almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans if you like.

variation (if any)

• Nut-free: replace almonds with extra oats and seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
• Peanut butter: add 1/4 cup peanut butter to the warm syrup for a nutty flavor and stickier bars.
• Fruit swap: use raisins, chopped apricots, or chopped dates instead of cranberries.
• No chocolate: leave out chocolate chips and add extra dried fruit or coconut flakes.

FAQs (minimum three FAQ)

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned rolled oats?
A: Quick oats can work but the bars may be softer and less textured. Old fashioned oats give better chew.

Q: Do I have to bake the oats and almonds?
A: Toasting is optional but it adds a nutty flavor and better texture.

Q: How do I keep the bars from crumbling?
A: Press the mixture firmly into the pan and chill for at least 2 hours. Use the exact syrup ratio so the mix binds well.

Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes. Use vegan butter and maple syrup instead of honey to make them vegan-friendly.

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