How to make granola bars

How to make granola bars

How to make granola bars

by Great British Chefs6 January 2016

How to make granola bars

Homemade granola bars are simple to make and much more delicious when cooked at home. Knowing exactly what has gone into them ensures peace of mind, as all too often shop-bought varieties can include nasty additives and incredibly high amounts of sugar. They’re great for elevenses or kids’ lunch boxes, and they’ll keep for up to a week in an airtight container (if they last that long). Oats are a good source of energy and nuts (in this case almonds) provide protein. This recipe makes ten well-sized bars.

Ingredients

Metric

Imperial

1
Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4
2
Spread the oats and almonds onto separate baking trays and bake for 10-15 minutes until toasted
3
Meanwhile, place the butter and honey in a saucepan and heat gently until the honey just begins to bubble
4
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the almonds, oats, raisins and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined
5
Line a 24cm square tray with baking paper and pack in the granola mixture. Push it down firmly with the aid of a smaller tray or a spatula
6
Transfer to the fridge for 1 hour to set
7
Cut into bars or squares. For chewy bars, allow to come to room temperature before eating

Variations

You can add any dried fruit you like to granola bars; try cranberries, apricots, figs or even crystallized ginger. Dried pineapple, coconut and mango lend a tropical twist.

You can also use other nuts. Pecan, hazelnuts and macadamias all work really well; just remember to toast them first for maximum flavour.

For a treat, add a few chocolate chips to the mix whilst the mixture is still warm. They’ll melt through and help hold the bars together (as well as adding lots of delicious sweetness).

Citrus zest from lemons, limes or oranges adds a fresh zing to granola bars, while spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg add warm, comforting flavours.

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