Almond Granola Bars Recipe

Homemade almond granola bars are a delicious and nutritious snack. Here's a simple recipe to make them at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped almonds (or almond slices)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions: Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped almonds. If you're using dried cranberries or raisins, add them to the mixture as well. Step 2: Make the Almond Butter Mixture In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey or maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and becomes smooth. Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to coat the oats and almonds evenly. This will serve as the binder for your granola bars. Step 3: Press into the Pan Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it firmly and evenly into the pan. Step 4: Bake Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Step 5: Cool and Cut Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the bars set. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the whole block of granola out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the block into individual bars of your desired size. You can make them rectangular or square. Step 6: Optional Chocolate Drizzle If you're using chocolate chips, you can melt them in the microwave or on the stovetop and drizzle the melted chocolate over the granola bars for added sweetness and flavor. Step 7: Enjoy and Store Let the chocolate set, if used, and then your homemade almond granola bars are ready to enjoy. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

These almond granola bars are not only tasty but also a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. You can customize them with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or seeds to suit your taste.t your taste.