Easy and Delicious Chewy Granola Bars Recipe
Are you tired of reaching for store-bought granola bars that are often packed with sugar and preservatives? Look no further! I have a homemade recipe for chewy granola bars that are not only gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan but also tasty and easy to make.
As a nutritionist, I am committed to promoting healthy eating. That’s why I believe in using wholesome ingredients such as rolled oats, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, and nut butter. By making these bars from scratch, you can customize them to your liking while also avoiding harmful additives and chemicals.
The best part about this recipe is that it only requires a handful of ingredients and takes less than an hour to prepare. These bars are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a snack throughout the day.
So why settle for artificial ingredients when you can have homemade, healthy granola bars that taste amazing? Follow my simple steps and enjoy a delicious snack packed with all-natural goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of a quick and fulfilling snack that aligns with your dietary restrictions? Look no further than these chewy granola bars! Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free, this recipe will take care of all your dietary needs.
What makes these bars so special? For starters, they are loaded with tasty and healthy ingredients such as rolled oats, sunflower seeds, and shredded coconut. These ingredients not only add crunch and texture to the bars but also give them an excellent amount of fiber and protein.
But that’s not all! These granola bars also contain semisweet vegan chocolate chips that melt in your mouth and burst with sweetness. The double chocolate version is a must-try for any chocolate lover out there.
Not only are these chewy granola bars delicious but they are also super easy to make. With the homemade granola as the base, adding in other simple ingredients such as honey or peanut butter creates the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Whether you prefer a little more sweetness or just a hint of it, these bars can be customized to your liking.
Lastly, with all the store-bought options loaded with artificial colors and flavors, why not reach for something healthier and homemade? Not only do these bars taste amazing but also they are made with whole ingredients that you can trust. And making a big batch at once ensures you will always have an on-the-go snack anytime.
So go ahead, indulge in something nutritious yet delicious. Make a batch of these chewy granola bars today – you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Now that you know why these chewy granola bars are worth making let’s take a look at the ingredient list. Here is everything you’ll need to make these delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan treats:
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats (gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup raw sugar
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/3 cup vegan semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts or seeds (sunflower or blake seed)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp peanut butter or seed butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- Egg substitute for two eggs
- 2 Tbsp. melted shortening (or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp guar gum
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
These ingredients give the perfect texture, sweetness, and crunch to elevate a regular granola bar recipe into a healthy homemade version loaded with yummy nutritious ingredients.
The Recipe How-To
Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the how-to of making these chewy granola bars that are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free! Trust me, this is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be snacking on these delicious bars in no time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crunchy and sweet snacks:
- Rolled oats (3 cups)
- Semisweet vegan chocolate chips (1 cup)
- Raw sugar (1/4 cup)
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp)
- Salt (1/2 tsp)
- Guar gum (1/2 tsp) or xanthan gum (1/4 tsp)
- Egg substitute for the equivalent of 2 eggs
- Honey (1/2 cup)
- Shortening (1/2 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking oil spray.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of semisweet vegan chocolate chips, 1/4 cup of raw sugar, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix them well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Stir in egg substitute and honey
In a separate bowl, beat the egg substitute with a whisk until it becomes frothy. Add in 1/2 cup of honey and continue beating until well-combined.
Step 4: Add wet ingredients to dry mixture
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Melt the shortening and stir in vanilla extract
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of shortening over low heat. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
Step 6: Stir in shortening mixture
Add the melted shortening mixture to the granola bar mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 7: Spread mixture into baking dish
Spread the granola bar mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden. (Let them cool completely before cutting into bars!)
Serving Suggestion
You can enjoy these chewy granola bars on their own as a healthy snack or pair them with fresh fruits, nuts, or yogurt for a balanced meal. For an extra crunch, you can add some chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruits to your recipe.
Now that you know how to make these delicious homemade chewy granola bars
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this chewy granola bars recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. There are so many ways to customize the recipe to suit your personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
For instance, if you have a nut allergy, you can substitute sunflower seed butter or coconut butter for the peanut butter. Alternatively, you can omit the peanut butter altogether and replace it with additional honey or agave nectar for a sweet and sticky texture.
If you’re looking for a grain-free option, consider using shredded coconut and almond flour instead of the rolled oats. You could also experiment with different types of dried fruit, like chopped dates, raisins or apricots.
For those who prefer a chocolate-free granola bar, simply leave out the vegan chocolate chips or replace them with chopped nuts or seeds.
If you want to add an extra boost of protein, try adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture before baking.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your flavor combinations! You could try making a double chocolate version by adding cocoa powder and extra vegan chocolate chips, or a cinnamon-spiced granola bar by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon to the mix. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Once your chewy granola bars are fully baked and have cooled, it’s time to enjoy them! These tasty treats are ideal for any time of day, whether you’re looking for a mid-morning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up. They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without the guilt.
When serving, I recommend cutting the granola bars into small pieces, either square or rectangular in shape. These bite-sized pieces are just right for a quick snack or for packing in your lunchbox. You can also serve them as a dessert by plating them with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or bananas, and a dollop of whipped cream made from coconut milk.
These chewy granola bars pair well with coffee, tea, or even milk (almond, soy, oat or coconut milk for a dairy-free option). The combination of healthy ingredients and a touch of sweetness make these bars kid-friendly too. They’re perfect to take on-the-go for school snacks, road trips, camping trips and picnics.
If you want to switch up the flavor profile of your granola bars try making different variations like chocolate chip granola bars or peanut butter granola bars. You can also add dried fruits (cranberries, raisins), nuts (almonds, cashews) or seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds) to create extra texture and boost nutrition.
Overall, these healthy homemade chewy granola bars are versatile and satisfying. Serve and pair them however you like – they’re the perfect snack to brighten up any day!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These chewy granola bars may be baked and prepared ahead of time for easy and quick snacking or breakfast on-the-go. These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy them any time you like.
When reheating the bars, wrap them in aluminum foil and heat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 10 minutes or until heated thoroughly. Alternatively, reheat them in the microwave by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 to 30 seconds.
To make things easier in the mornings, you can make a large batch of these bars and store them in the freezer. When storing these granola bars in the freezer, it’s best to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them inside an airtight container or Ziploc bag.
These granola bars are perfect for picnics, hikes, lunch boxes, and as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. Additionally, they are excellent travel companions as they are portable, lightweight, and allergy-friendly.
Whether you’re indulging in your chewy gluten-free vegan granola bars immediately after baking or enjoying them later throughout the week, these delicious treats are sure to keep your taste buds satisfied!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making these Chewy Granola Bars, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you achieve the best results possible. Here are my top suggestions:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients: When making any recipe, it’s essential to use fresh ingredients, especially for baking. So make sure you check the expiration dates of your ingredients before beginning.
2. Measure Accurately: For accurate measurements, always use measuring cups and spoons instead of estimating quantities by eye. Even a slight variation in measurement can affect the texture and flavor of the final product.
3. Chill Before Cutting: Once your granola bars are baked and taken out of the oven, let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting into bars. This helps them hold their shape and prevents crumbling.
4. Wrap Individually: Once cut, wrap each granola bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container so they don’t stick together and stay fresh longer.
5. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to play around with additional add-ins such as dried fruit, shredded coconut, or sunflower seed butter to add more texture and flavor to your granola bars.
6. Skip Oil Sprays: Do not spray oil on the parchment paper or aluminum foil that lines the baking pan where you will bake your granola bars; this can cause your granola bars to fall apart when sliced.
7. Don’t Over Bake: Be careful not to over bake your granola bars as they may turn out too hard and dry. Keep an eye on them while baking, starting at 20-22 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create perfectly chewy and delicious granola bars every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these chewy granola bars are a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy snack. They are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free, making them allergy-friendly and suitable for everyone. With such simple ingredients like rolled oats, baking soda, and agave nectar, they’re easy to make even on busy days. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable with the addition of your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit or shredded coconut.
So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet but still want to eat healthily, give these chewy granola bars a try. You’ll be amazed at how delicious they are and will never go back to store-bought granola bars again. Don’t forget to make extra so you can have them on hand whenever hunger strikes – trust me; you won’t regret it. Enjoy!
Chewy Granola Bars Vegan, Gluten Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/3 cup spectrum non-hydrogenated shortening (or vegan margarine)
- 2 tablespoons honey or 2 tablespoons agave nectar, for vegan
- 1 egg equivalent egg substitute (I use Flax vegan egg re placer #104832)
- 3/4 cup rice flour
- 1 teaspoon guar gum (if not in flour mix) or 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (if not in flour mix)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (look for corn and gluten free brands)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal (organic brown rice cereal is CORN FREE)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup semisweet vegan chocolate chips (Enjoy Life Brand are free of corn, milk, soy, gluten, etc)
- 1 3/4 cups rolled oats (gluten free)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil 9x13 baking pan.
- In large bowl, beat sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add honey, egg replace and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- In medium bowl, combine flour, gar gum, salt and baking soda. Blend.
- Add flour mixture to sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- By hand mix in chocolate chips, nuts, rice cereal and oats.
- Press firmly into pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until brown.