Exploring Homemade Nutrition: Crafting No-Bake Granola Bars

April 8, 2024

Written by UConn Dietetics Masters student Angela Fauci Scarangella.

Are you tired of reaching for those store-bought granola bars loaded with sugar and preservatives? Did you know you could easily whip up your very own batch of delicious and nutritious no-bake granola bars in the comfort of your kitchen? The bars you make at home often include whole grains like rolled oats, which have been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.1

These homemade granola bars can be a smart and delightful snack. They are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, honey, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and coconut. Adding a bit of sweetness like chocolate chips is fine, too! They offer a convenient and nutritious snack option that you can feel good about enjoying!

No-Bake Protein Granola Bars

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup peanut butter (or another creamy nut butter)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1/3 cup chopped cranberries
  • 1/3 cup chocolate morsels
  • 1/3 cup chopped almonds or any chopped nuts on hand
  • 1/3 cup dried fruit
  • unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Directions

  1. Combine dry and wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey until they are well combined and sticky.
  2. Add mix-ins: Add in the chopped cranberries, chocolate morsels, chopped nuts, and optional coconut flakes into the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Prepare and chill: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Press the granola mixture firmly into the sheet and spread it evenly.
  4. Refrigerate: Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for one to two hours, allowing the granola mixture to firm up.
  5. Cut and serve: Once chilled and firm, remove the granola mixture from the refrigerator and cut it into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
  6. Enjoy: Your homemade granola bars are now ready to enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future snacking.

References

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36622660/ 

This material is funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP)

                                      This institution is an equal opportunity provider.