Yield: 14 pieces
Mold size: 18 cm x 26 cm
Oat flakes (long cooking): 300 g
Honey: 130 g
Salt: ½ tsp
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Banana: 1 pc. (approx. 120 g)
Dates: 150 g (can be replaced with a second banana)
Dried apricots: 50 g
Blueberries: 30 g
Cranberries: 50 g
Pumpkin seeds: 30 g
Almonds: 50 g
Walnuts: 100 g
Macadamia nuts: 20 g
Baking instructions: Bake at 150°C (302°F) for 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Nuts and Fruit
Chop the Nuts: Chop the almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts into large pieces. Set them aside in a large bowl.
Chop the Nuts: Cut the dates, dried apricots, cranberries, and blueberries into small cubes. Add them to the same bowl as the nuts.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Base
Mash the Banana: In a separate small bowl, mash the banana until smooth. If you’re using dates instead of banana, make sure they’re finely chopped or blended into a paste.
Mix with Honey and Vanilla: Add the honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the banana puree and mix well. This will act as a binding agent for the granola bars, holding everything together.
Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
Add the oats and seeds: Pour the rolled oats and pumpkin seeds into the bowl with the chopped nuts and dried fruit. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Mix with the wet ingredients: Gradually pour the banana-honey mixture over the oats, nuts, and fruit. Stir well to make sure the honey mixture evenly coats everything.
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Step 4: Press into baking pan
Line baking pan: Use parchment paper to line your 18cm x 26cm pan. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars once baked.
Press mixture into pan: Pour the oat-nut mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together after baking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the granola bars: Preheat the oven to 150°C (302°F). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Let the granola bars cool completely: Once baked, allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial to achieving firm bars that don’t fall apart when you cut them.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Cut the bars: Once completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the granola into 14 equal-sized bars.
Serve or store: Enjoy your homemade granola bars right away or save them for later.
Nutritional information (per serving)
Calories: 210-250 kcal
Protein: 6-8 g
Fat: 10-12 g
Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
Fiber: 3-5 g
Sugar: 15-18 g