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Wholesome Trail Mix Granola Bars Recipe Easy Homemade with Nuts and Dried Fruits

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These homemade granola bars combine toasted nuts and dried fruits for a wholesome, chewy snack perfect for on-the-go energy. They are easy to make, adaptable, and hold together well without being dense or gummy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup (120g) mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped and toasted
  • 1 cup (150g) dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, or cherries), unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup (125g) natural nut butter (almond or peanut butter)
  • 1/3 cup (113g) honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit hanging over the sides for easy removal later.
  2. Toast the nuts: Spread 1 cup (120g) of mixed nuts evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Let cool slightly.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats, toasted nuts, 1 cup (150g) dried fruits, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir well to distribute everything evenly.
  4. Warm wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm 1/2 cup (125g) natural nut butter and 1/3 cup (113g) honey until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the warm nut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly, making sure everything is coated and sticky. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
  6. Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan. Using the spatula or your hands (lightly sprayed with cooking oil), press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
  8. Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the slab out and cut into 10-12 bars.
  9. Store: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Toast nuts separately for best flavor and crunch. Press mixture firmly into pan to prevent crumbling. Use parchment paper to easily remove bars. Adjust honey or nut butter if mixture is too crumbly or sticky. Cool bars completely before cutting. Store in airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, trail mix, homemade snack, nuts, dried fruits, healthy snack, easy recipe, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/wholesome-trail-mix-granola-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-with-nuts-and-dried-fruits/