Granola Bars Recipe

Granola bars are crunchy and little gooey snack bars made using oats, nuts, butter and sweeteners. These bars are pressed and shaped then set in fridge, so no baking is needed. I usually make this as a quick snack or breakfast option. It tastes sweet, nutty and quite filling. It also keeps you full for long time.

These granola bars are good for both diet days and normal days. You can have it in the morning or as evening snack yes guiltfree. Kids also like this because of the candies mixed in. It is very easy to make and hardly needs much effort. Even beginners can try this without worry.

Jump to:

• About Granola Bars
• Granola Bars Ingredients
• How to make Granola Bars Recipe Step by Step
• Expert Tips
• Serving and Storage
• FAQS
• 📖 Recipe Card

About Granola Bars

Granola bars are homemade snack bars made by mixing toasted oats with a sticky sugar mixture. Once everything is mixed well, it is pressed and set to form bars. This is a no bake recipe and very beginner friendly. You do not need oven or any special tools. It can be done on stove top easily.

This recipe has a crunchy texture from the oats and nuts with a slight chewiness from sugar and honey. Also rice krispies in this recipe adds light crunch and candies give sweet bites in between. I added peanut butter for richness and it helps everything bind together well. Every bite feels balanced and tasty.

You can just make it in many ways based on your taste. Add dry fruits, seeds, chocolate chips or different nuts as you like. You can also skip the candies and make it little healthier. You can also skip candies and make it healthier. Even small change in ingredients gives different taste. You can adjust it based on your liking.

I usually make this on weekends and keep it in fridge. It stays good for many days and helps a lot when hunger and cravings hits suddenly. 

Granola Bars Ingredients

• Rolled oats - I added this for the base of the bars. It gives crunch and makes it filling. You can lightly toast it for better taste.
• Rice krispies - This is added for extra light crunch. It makes the bar airy and not too heavy. 
• M and M candies - I have used this for sweetness and color. It makes the bars fun especially for kids. You can replace with gems also.
• Butter - Butter helps to melt sugar and bind everything together. It also adds richness. You can use any unsalted butter.
• Peanut butter - I have used this to give flavor and binding. It makes the bars slightly creamy. You can use chunky or smooth.
• Brown sugar - This is used for sweetness and sticky texture. It helps bars to hold shape. You can use regular sugar also.
• Honey - Honey adds sweetness and helps in binding. It also gives slight chewiness. You can reduce little if you want less sweet.
• Vanilla essence - It is added for nice aroma and flavor. Even small amount makes difference. 
• Mixed nuts - I added this for crunch. You can use any nuts you like some almonds and pistachios. Chop it finely for even mix.

Similar Recipes

• Smores bars
• Rocky road bars
• Baked oatmeal bars
• White christmas slice
• Peanut butter churros bars

How to make Granola Bars Recipe Step by Step

1.Take rolled oats in a pan, toast it for 5 minutes in low flame. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add rice krispies to it.

2.Crush the M and M candies and add to it(Reserve few for topping).I crushed using my chapathi roller.

3.Give a quick mix and set aside. Take butter in a pan, add brown sugar to it

4.Add honey, then add peanut butter to it

5.Heat it up until it melts. Cook in low flame until it bubbles up, now add oats mixture to it.

6.I forgot to add vanilla essence so added it at this stage. Give a quick stir, add chopped nuts.

7.Mix well until everything is combined well. Transfer the mixture to a tin, Level it using the back of a spoon.

8.Sprinkle the remaining m and m candies and press it.Refrigerate it for atleast 30mins.I used aluminium foil for easy demoulding. Carefully remove it from the tin.Cut into small bars and enjoy.

Serve as a snack or breakfast bar.

Expert Tips

• Toasting oats - I make sure to toast oats in low flame only. This brings nice aroma and crunch. Do not burn it.
• Sugar mixture - I cook the sugar, honey and butter till it bubbles. This step is important for binding. Try not to undercook.
• Pressing bars - I usually press the mixture tightly into the tray. Loose pressing will make bars break later.
• Setting time - I refrigerate for enough time before cutting. It just helps bars to set properly.
• Lining the tray - I line the tray with foil or butter paper before adding the mixture. This helps in easy removal and neat cutting later.

Serving and Storage

Serve them as breakfast bars or evening snack. This goes well with milk or just as such. Always cut after it is set well. Store leftover bars in fridge in airtight box. It keeps well for about a week.

FAQS

1.Can I skip candies in this recipe?

Yes, you can skip and add more nuts or dry fruits instead.

2.Why my bars are breaking?

Mostly because sugar mixture was not cooked enough or bars not pressed tight.

3.Can I use regular sugar?

Yes, you can use regular sugar. Taste will change little but still works.

4.Do I need to refrigerate always?

It is better to refrigerate so bars stay firm and fresh.

5.Can I add seeds?

Yes, you can add flax seeds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

If you have any more questions about this M&M Granola Bars Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

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