Ina Garten Granola Bars are made with old-fashioned oatmeal, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, toasted wheat germ, unsalted butter, honey, light brown sugar, pure vanilla extract, kosher salt, chopped pitted dates, chopped dried apricots, and dried cranberries.
This easy wholesome Granola Bars recipe creates a delicious snack that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 12 people.
Try More Ina Garten Recipes:
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Granola Bars Recipe:
- Wholesome Ingredients: The use of whole oats, natural sweeteners like honey, and a variety of dried fruits makes these granola bars a healthier snack option.
- Customizable: You can easily substitute different nuts or dried fruits based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of baking and the right mix of ingredients gives these bars a satisfying chewy yet crispy texture.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, making it a great option for beginner bakers and busy individuals.
🧈 Ina Garten Granola Bars Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
- 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
🥨How To Make Ina Garten Granola Bars
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and line an 8×12-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Toast Oats Mixture: Mix oatmeal, almonds, and coconut on a sheet pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in wheat germ.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 300°F.
- Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan, heat butter, honey, sugar, vanilla, and salt over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Do not bring to a boil to prevent burning.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the heated syrup mixture over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add dates, apricots, and cranberries, and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press down evenly to compact the mixture in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven at 300°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the granola bars to cool in the pan for 2-3 hours. Once cooled, lift out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and cut into bars.
💭 Recipe Tips:
- Measure Carefully: Make sure to use the right amounts of oats, almonds, and coconut to help the bars stick together well.
- Toast Well: Spread the oats, almonds, and coconut flat on the pan. Toast them until they are lightly browned. This adds flavor and color.
- Keep Syrup Cool: Heat the syrup just until the butter and sugar melt. Do not let it boil to avoid burning.
- Press Down Hard: Press the mix down hard in the baking dish. This helps the bars to not fall apart.
- Let It Cool: Let the bars cool down completely before you cut them. This makes them easier to cut and keeps their shape.
🍷 What To Serve With Granola Bars?
Granola Bars pair well with yogurt, fresh fruit salad, a smoothie, or a cup of tea. They also can be served alongside a glass of milk, a latte, apple slices, or a banana for a tasty and filling snack.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Granola Bars?
- Refrigerate: Store granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to keep them fresh.
- Freeze: Wrap granola bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
FAQ’S
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead Of Old-fashioned Oats?
It’s best to use old-fashioned oats as they provide a better texture. Quick oats may make the bars too soft and mushy.
How Do I Know When The Granola Bars Are Done Baking?
The bars should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If they’re too soft, they may not hold together once cooled.
What If My Granola Bars Are Too Crumbly?
Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking. If they’re still crumbly, increase the amount of honey or butter slightly to help bind the ingredients.
How Long Should I Wait Before Cutting The Granola Bars?
Wait until the bars have completely cooled, about 2-3 hours, to ensure they cut cleanly and hold their shape.
Ina Garten Granola Bars Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat:5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
- Sodium: 82 mg
More Ina Garten Recipes:
- Ina Garten Maple Scones
- Ina Garten Blackberry Pie
- Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Ina Garten Blueberry Lemon Scones
Ina Garten Granola Bars
Description
Ina Garten Granola Bars are made with old-fashioned oatmeal, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, toasted wheat germ, unsalted butter, honey, light brown sugar, pure vanilla extract, kosher salt, chopped pitted dates, chopped dried apricots, and dried cranberries.
This easy wholesome Granola Bars recipe creates a delicious snack that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 12 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and line an 8×12-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Toast Oats Mixture: Mix oatmeal, almonds, and coconut on a sheet pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in wheat germ.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 300°F.
- Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan, heat butter, honey, sugar, vanilla, and salt over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Do not bring to a boil to prevent burning.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the heated syrup mixture over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add dates, apricots, and cranberries, and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press down evenly to compact the mixture in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven at 300°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the granola bars to cool in the pan for 2-3 hours. Once cooled, lift out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and cut into bars.
Notes
- Measure Carefully: Make sure to use the right amounts of oats, almonds, and coconut to help the bars stick together well.
- Toast Well: Spread the oats, almonds, and coconut flat on the pan. Toast them until they are lightly browned. This adds flavor and color.
- Keep Syrup Cool: Heat the syrup just until the butter and sugar melt. Do not let it boil to avoid burning.
- Press Down Hard: Press the mix down hard in the baking dish. This helps the bars to not fall apart.
- Let It Cool: Let the bars cool down completely before you cut them. This makes them easier to cut and keeps their shape.