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back to school granola bars - featured image

Back to School Granola Bars: Easy 5-Ingredient Snack

  • Author: Isabel
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Chewy, almond-studded granola bars made with just five ingredients. No baking required, these bars are perfect for busy school mornings and survive the backpack test.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup raw almonds (toasted and chopped)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely, then chop roughly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped toasted almonds, and dried cranberries.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and peanut butter. Stir constantly until smooth and liquid (about 3 minutes). Do not boil.
  5. Pour the warm honey-peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Add salt and vanilla (if using). Stir vigorously until every oat is coated and the mixture forms a cohesive, shiny dough.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Press down firmly and tightly using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure the bars hold together.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) until firm.
  8. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 bars using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  9. Wrap individually in wax paper or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Do not use instant oats as they will make the bars gummy. Old-fashioned rolled oats are required for the correct texture. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Toasting the almonds enhances the flavor. If using natural peanut butter, ensure it is stirred well before measuring. For nut-free versions, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14
  • Sodium: 45
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5
  • Carbohydrates: 22
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 5

Keywords: granola bars, back to school snacks, easy 5 ingredient snack, no bake granola bars, healthy kids snacks, almond granola bars, dried cranberry bars

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Find it online: https://mealsfordinner.com/back-to-school-granola-bars-easy-5-ingredient-snack/