Are you looking for a nutritious and delicious snack that you can easily grab when you’re on the go? Look no further than these homemade Blueberry Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with juicy blueberries, these bars are perfect for a quick breakfast, an energizing mid-day treat, or a satisfying post-workout snack. Plus, they are so simple to make at home, and you can customize them to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the recipe for these tasty and wholesome Blueberry Granola Bars.
**Blueberry Granola Bars**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups old-fashioned oats
– 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dried blueberries
– 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and chopped nuts, and spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the toasted oats and nuts. Add the dried blueberries and mini chocolate chips, if using. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly coated.
5. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or a piece of parchment paper to compact the mixture tightly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan. This will help them set properly.
8. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of granola out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars of your desired size.
9. Store the Blueberry Granola Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
These Blueberry Granola Bars are not only a convenient snack option but also a nutritious one. The combination of oats, nuts, dried blueberries, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup makes them a satisfying treat that you can feel good about indulging in. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to create your perfect customized granola bars.
Enjoy these homemade Blueberry Granola Bars as a quick breakfast on busy mornings, pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes, or carry them along for a hike or a day at the beach. With their portable and versatile nature, these bars are sure to become a household favorite in no time. So, get baking and savor the goodness of these wholesome treats!
