Name: Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups quick rolled oats; 1 cup oat flour ((See Note)); 0.75 cup sugar (adjust based on your preference); 0.75 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt; 8 ounces dried wild blueberries; 4 ounces roasted sliced almonds; 3 ounces unsweetened flaked coconut; 6 tablespoons melted butter; 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter; 0.5 cup honey; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon pure almond extract

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Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries are the perfect solution for busy mornings or afternoon snack cravings. These bars are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you energized throughout the day. With a delightful combination of chewy oats, fruity blueberries, and crunchy almonds, these granola bars are a family favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into why these bars deserve a spot in your recipe book.

Why It Deserves a Spot

Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries are a delightful treat that combines health and flavor. They are made with simple, wholesome ingredients and provide a satisfying chewiness that is hard to resist. Perfect for breakfast on the go or a quick snack, these bars are also great for school lunches or post-workout refueling. The natural sweetness from the wild blueberries and the creaminess of peanut butter make these bars a deliciously balanced option for any time of day.

The Essentials

To make these delightful Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 ½ cups quick rolled oats – The base of our bars, providing fiber and texture.
1 cup oat flour – Adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps bind the ingredients. (See Note)
¾ cup sugar – For sweetness; adjust based on your preference.
¾ cup packed brown sugar – Adds moisture and a rich flavor.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – For warmth and spice.
½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
8 ounces dried wild blueberries – Bursting with flavor and antioxidants.
4 ounces roasted sliced almonds – Adds crunch and healthy fats.
3 ounces unsweetened flaked coconut – For a tropical twist and chewiness.
6 tablespoons melted butter – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
½ cup creamy peanut butter – Provides creaminess and protein.
½ cup honey – Natural sweetener that brings everything together.
2 tablespoons light corn syrup – Helps with binding and moisture.
1 tablespoon water – To help blend the ingredients smoothly.
1 teaspoon pure almond extract – For a subtle nutty flavor.

Prep & Cook Tools

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the following tools:

Baking pan – A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for this recipe.
Mixing bowls – Use a large bowl for dry ingredients and a medium bowl for wet ingredients.
Rubber spatula – Perfect for combining ingredients and scraping down the sides.
Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to the perfect granola bar.
Whisk – For mixing dry ingredients thoroughly.
Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot pans!

Make Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries: A Simple Method

Follow these easy steps to create your Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they are baked.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick rolled oats, oat flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Whisk them together until well combined.

Step 4: Add the Mix-ins

Stir in the dried wild blueberries, roasted sliced almonds, and unsweetened flaked coconut into the dry mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, honey, light corn syrup, water, and almond extract. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and use a rubber spatula to fold everything together until the oats and mix-ins are evenly coated.

Step 7: Spread in the Baking Pan

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly into an even layer. Ensure it’s tightly packed for optimal chewiness.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.

Step 9: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles.

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

Feel free to customize your Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries with these seasonal flavor boosts:

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for more crunch.
Incorporate seeds such as chia or flaxseed for added nutrition.
Swap dried wild blueberries for cranberries or raisins based on what you have on hand.
Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

While making Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries is simple, here are some common pitfalls and solutions:

Too crumbly: If your bars are falling apart, they may not have been pressed firmly enough into the pan. Try pressing harder next time.
Too hard: If they come out too hard, they may have been overbaked. Keep an eye on baking time to ensure perfect texture.
Too sweet: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar and honey slightly. You can always adjust according to your taste.
Sticking to the pan: Ensure you line the pan properly with parchment paper for easy removal.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To keep your Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

Ask & Learn

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work wonderfully as alternatives.

Can I make these granola bars gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour to make them gluten-free.

How can I make these bars vegan?

Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a vegan butter alternative.

Can I add protein powder to the recipe?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra boost!

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Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you know how to make Chewy Granola Bars with Almonds and Wild Blueberries, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe is perfect for experimentation, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results. Whether you’re enjoying them on a hike, at your desk, or as a midday snack, these granola bars will surely satisfy your cravings. Happy baking!