Homemade strawberry granola bars are a fantastic treat, perfect for a quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Forget those store-bought bars filled with processed sugars and preservatives! These chewy granola bars are easy to make and so much better for you. Plus, the whole family will love them! For another delicious snack, try these steak nachos.
Why these Strawberry Granola Bars are Special
These granola bars are truly special because they highlight the taste of fresh, ripe strawberries. They have a wonderfully chewy texture, are made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about, and are easily customizable to your family’s preferences. You can add your favorite nuts, seeds, or even a drizzle of chocolate!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats, not quick-cooking)
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts and Seeds: Feel free to substitute other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews. Pumpkin seeds or chia seeds also work well.
- Sweeteners: You can use brown rice syrup or agave nectar instead of honey or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, chopped dates, or other dried fruits can be used in place of cranberries or apricots. You can also omit the dried fruit entirely. If you enjoy baking with dried fruits, check out this guide on baked beans.
- Oil: Melted butter or another neutral oil can be substituted for coconut oil.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe, most of which you probably already have on hand. Gather the following:
- 9×13 inch baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Food processor (optional, for chopping nuts)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
These strawberry granola bars are surprisingly simple to make. Just follow these easy steps! Looking for a hearty soup to pair with your granola bars? This Chicken Poblano Soup is a perfect complement.
Preparing the Strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly. Remove the green leafy tops (called hulls) using a paring knife or simply pinch them off. Dice the strawberries into small pieces, about 1/4 inch in size. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. For extra nutritional value, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds to this mixture.
Making the Strawberry Mixture
In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries, honey, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the strawberries are well coated. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if needed. If you prefer a different flavor profile, almond extract or lemon extract can be used instead of vanilla. You can also try this recipe with a delicious cream cheese filling.
Baking the Granola Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make lifting the bars easier later. Pour the dry ingredients into the strawberry mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. It’s important to pack it tightly so the bars hold their shape.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is firm. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready. If the toothpick is still wet, bake for a few more minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. For more tips on healthy baking, check out this article on healthy baking substitutions.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfect strawberry granola bars every time:
- Press Firmly: Press the granola bar mixture very firmly into the baking pan. This helps the bars hold their shape and prevents them from crumbling. A flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup can be helpful for pressing.
- Parchment Paper Overhang: Leaving an overhang of parchment paper on the sides of the baking sheet makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bars while they bake, as they can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- Sticky Bars: If your granola bars are too sticky, even after cooling, you may have used too much honey or maple syrup. Next time, try reducing the amount of sweetener slightly. You can also try storing them in the refrigerator to firm them up.
- Crumbly Bars: If your granola bars are crumbling, the mixture may have been too dry. Next time, try adding a little more melted coconut oil or another liquid sweetener. You could also add an egg white or a mashed banana to act as a binding agent. For gluten-free options, explore this collection of gluten-free vegan recipes.
- Burnt Bars: If the edges of your bars are getting too brown before the center is cooked, you can tent the pan with aluminum foil to protect them.
FAQ
Are granola bars actually healthy?
Homemade granola bars can be a healthy snack option, especially compared to many store-bought varieties. They provide whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats. However, it’s important to be mindful of the sugar content. Making them at home allows you to control the amount of added sweeteners. For insights into portion sizes and nutrition, visit the Healthline guide on granola bar nutrition.
What makes granola bars stick together?
The “stickiness” in granola bars comes from the sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup. These ingredients act as a binder, holding the oats, nuts, and other ingredients together. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan also helps with cohesion.
Is strawberry granola good for you?
Adding fresh strawberries to your granola boosts its nutritional value. Strawberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Homemade strawberry granola is a much healthier choice than processed granola bars, which often contain added sugars and artificial ingredients.
What are the ingredients in made good strawberry granola bar?
Made Good strawberry granola bars typically contain ingredients like oats, dried strawberries, brown rice syrup, sunflower seed butter, and various other ingredients. While convenient, these bars often have more processed ingredients than a homemade version, which allows you to focus on whole, natural ingredients.
Serving and Storage
These strawberry granola bars are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a variety of other foods. They’re great with a dollop of yogurt, a side of fresh fruit, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a fantastic addition to lunchboxes or hiking packs. Try serving them alongside this crispy air fryer butternut squash for a balanced and flavorful meal.
To store your granola bars, let them cool completely before cutting them into bars or squares. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to store them in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming too sticky. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Strawberry Granola Bars: 5-Ingredient Delicious Snackthumb_upthumb_down
Chewy, homemade strawberry granola bars perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. Easy to make and customize!
- Total Time: 41 minute
Ingredients
-
2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned, not quick-cooking)
-
1/2 cup chopped almonds
-
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
-
1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
-
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
-
1/2 cup honey
-
1/4 cup maple syrup
-
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots (optional)
Instructions
1. Wash, hull, and dice strawberries. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain excess liquid.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine diced strawberries, honey, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make lifting the bars easier.
5. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is firm. Insert a toothpick into the center to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready.
8. Let the granola bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars or squares.
Notes
See ingredient substitutions for variations based on dietary needs or preferences. Press mixture firmly into the pan for best results. Watch carefully while baking to prevent burning. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the refrigerator for longer storage, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
Keywords: strawberry granola bars, granola bars, strawberry snacks, healthy snacks, breakfast bars, homemade granola, easy recipe, quick snack, kids snacks, on-the-go snacks