Get ready to elevate your snack game with these irresistibly **Thick and Chewy Granola Bars**, a homemade treat that's perfect for busy mornings, hiking adventures, or midday cravings. Made with wholesome **old-fashioned rolled oats** and **sliced almonds**, these bars are lightly toasted for a nutty crunch, then bound together with a luscious mixture of **honey**, **brown sugar**, and **butter** for a rich, caramelized flavor. A hint of **cinnamon** and a touch of **vanilla** add warm, comforting notes, while **mini chocolate chips** and your choice of **dried cranberries or raisins** bring bursts of sweetness in every bite. Compacting the mixture firmly ensures a satisfyingly chewy texture, while a quick bake sets the perfect balance of soft and sturdy. Whether you enjoy them on the go or as an afternoon pick-me-up, these granola bars are a delightful blend of textures and flavors that's both easy to make and packed with homemade charm. Keywords: "chewy granola bar recipe," "homemade snack ideas," "easy granola bars."
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Spread the oats and sliced almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble. Allow it to simmer gently for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt into the saucepan mixture. Pour this over the toasted oats and almonds in the mixing bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything together until evenly coated.
Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes, then fold in the mini chocolate chips and dried cranberries or raisins. Stir quickly to prevent the chocolate chips from fully melting.
Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Press the mixture down firmly using a spatula or your hands (you can use a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking) to compact it as tightly as possible.
Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), just until the edges start to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block of granola out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into 12 bars using a sharp knife.
Store the granola bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature, or freeze them for longer storage.
Serving size | 661.5 grams (661.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2760 |
Total Fat 121.90g | 156% |
Saturated Fat 28.60g | 143% |
Cholesterol 62mg | 21% |
Sodium 613mg | 27% |
Total Carbohydrate 396.30g | 144% |
Dietary Fiber 48.20g | 172% |
Total Sugars 204.70g | |
Protein 60.80g | 122% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 618mg | 48% |
Iron 17mg | 94% |
Potassium 2100mg | 45% |
Source of Calories