Marzipan Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself staring at those sad, cardboard tasting granola bars at the shop? Honestly, there's a better way. Today we are talking about Homemade Granola Bars with chocolate , and I promise you, this granola recipe bars are a game changer.
The key? A hint of marzipan for that almondy deliciousness!
Brief Overview
Granola bars have been around for ages, a convenient snack born from the need for portable energy. These homemade granola bars level up the experience.
This recipe is dead easy. The total cooking time is roughly 1 hour. You get about 12 delicious bars.
Main Benefits
This healthy granola bar recipe gives you sustained energy. These breakfast granola bars homemade are awesome for a quick breakfast, a school lunchbox treat, or a post workout snack.
What makes this special? The marzipan! It gives these chocolate chip granola bar recipe easy that extra oomph!.
Let's Chat Granola
So, about these Homemade Granola Bars . I've had my fair share of shop bought disappointments. You know, those ones that crumble the second you look at them? I needed a chewy granola bar recipe .
Also i wanted a bit of flexibility: How to make granola bars with nuts ? How to make granola bars with almonds ?
I reckon baking these is the only way to get the texture and flavour that you're after.
Plus, a no bake granola bar recipe sounded much better than something that involves baking.
What Makes These Bars Special?
Look, there are loads of granola bar recipes out there. This one's a bit different. The marzipan adds such a unique flavour! And the almonds are very important.
Honestly, it's like a cross between a flapjack and a fancy confection. You'll love it!
Ingredients & Equipment for Brilliant Granola Bars
Alright, let's talk kit and caboodle for these ridiculously good Homemade Granola Bars with chocolate . Seriously, ditch the shop bought ones.
These are miles better, and you know exactly what's going in them. I'm going to tell you How To Make Granola Bars With Almonds and other nuts so they are chewy and delicious!.
Main Ingredients
- Rolled Oats: 3 cups (270g) . Get the old-fashioned kind, not the instant stuff. They give the Granola Bar the best texture.
- Mixed Nuts: 1 cup (100g) , chopped. I love a mix of almonds, walnuts, and pecans. They're all very good for How To Make Granola Bars With Nuts .
- Shredded Coconut: 1/2 cup (50g) , unsweetened. Honestly, the unsweetened stuff tastes way better.
- Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup (60g) , semi sweet. Go wild if you like, milk chocolate works great too!
- Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5ml) . A pinch really brings out the flavours.
- Marzipan: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely diced. This adds a secret almond-y flavour boost.
- Honey: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Local honey is the best, if you have it.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (60ml) , packed. The soft kind makes everything super chewy granola bar recipe .
- Coconut Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) , melted. Or any oil that doesn't taste very strong..
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds a lovely warmth.
- Water: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
Quality wise, fresh nuts are your friend. If they smell rancid, bin 'em. Same with the coconut - sniff it.
It should smell like coconut, not cardboard. Also, if you are looking for Breakfast granola bars homemade , make sure your ingredients are the freshest.
Seasoning Notes
For that extra oomph , a tiny bit of cinnamon is amazing. Think chocolate chip granola bar recipe easy and a touch of festive spice.
Vanilla extract is non-negotiable. For aroma. Honestly, though, the marzipan does a lot of the heavy lifting here. If you want to change it up, a bit of almond extract works, but go easy on it.
Just a tiny splash!
Want to create a Healthy granola bar recipe ?
Equipment Needed
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (makes life so much easier)
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan (or microwave safe bowl)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Honestly, you probably have all of this already. No need for any fancy gadgets. Use a regular baking pan if you're How To Make Granola Bars With Nuts is only important, because it will define the shapes.
For a no bake granola bar recipe , you don't need half of this.
Let's Bake: Marzipan & Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Honestly, who doesn't love a granola bar ? But those shop bought ones? Nah, they often taste like cardboard. Let's get real and make some homemade granola bars with chocolate that are actually worth eating.
These Homemade Granola Bars are dead easy to make, and the marzipan gives them a little something special. It's a Granola Recipe Bars upgrade, mate.
Prep Like a Pro
- Mise en place, innit? : Get all your ingredients measured out. Chop the nuts. Dice that marzipan. Trust me, it makes life easier.
- Time Saver Tip : Line the baking pan before you start mixing. Thank me later.
- Safety First : No little fingers in the mixer, yeah? And be careful with that hot oven!
Banging Homemade Granola Bars with chocolate in 7 Easy Steps
- Preheat your oven to 325° F ( 160° C) . Line your 9x13 inch pan with parchment.
- In a big bowl, mix 3 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chopped nuts, 1/2 cup shredded coconut, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 cup diced marzipan, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Melt 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil and 1/4 cup water together until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff. Mix well. Really well.
- Press the mixture firmly into your lined pan. Get it nice and even. This is key.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into 12 bars. Seriously, don't rush this.
Pro Tips
- Press Hard : I cannot stress this enough. The firmer you press, the less crumbly your bars will be. Think of it as a free arm workout.
- Cool Down : Letting the bars cool completely before cutting is vital. Warm bars crumble, cold bars don't.
- How to Make Granola Bars With Almonds , you can add more almonds in the mix.
These Breakfast granola bars homemade are absolutely the best, and you'll get a great Chewy granola bar recipe , you can even find a great Chocolate chip granola bar recipe easy to prepare.
What are you waiting for?
Honestly, these homemade granola bars are miles better than anything you'll find in a shop. Give them a go, and let me know what you think. Cheers!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Homemade Granola Bars with chocolate
Alright, you've got the Homemade Granola Recipe Bars . Fantastic! But before you dive in, let’s chat about some little things that can really elevate your Homemade Granola Bars game.
These are all based on my own mishaps, and hard won triumphs in the kitchen!
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Snack
Okay, so you've baked your Chewy Granola Bar recipe . First, presentation matters, right? Cut those bars into neat squares or rectangles.
Think about plating a sprinkle of extra chocolate chip granola bar recipe easy on top? Yes, please! These aren't just snacks, they are Breakfast granola bars homemade !
Complementary pairings are key. Honestly, a glass of ice-cold milk is a classic for a reason. But, if you're feeling fancy, try it with a herbal tea, or a cup of coffee if you need an afternoon boost.
Storage Tips: Keeping Them Fresh
Right, so you've made a massive batch of healthy granola bar recipe . Now, how do you keep them from going stale? Well, these homemade granola bars with chocolate are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
They should last about a week, maybe a bit longer if you’re lucky.
Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap them individually in cling film, then pop them into a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
Just let them thaw at room temperature before tucking in. When it comes to a no bake granola bar recipe , then refrigeration is a must .
Variations: Making Them Your Own
Fancy a twist? Sorted. You can easily adapt this recipe for different dietary needs. Need a nut-free version of your How To Make Granola Bars With Nuts ? Swap out the nuts for extra seeds pumpkin or sunflower work brilliantly.
Or, go vegan! Use maple syrup instead of honey, and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. And for my friends who like extra flavor, I always like to add some cinnamon to my How To Make Granola Bars With Almonds .
Seasonal swaps? Get creative! In autumn, add some dried cranberries and a pinch of nutmeg. Summertime? Try some chopped dried apricots or peaches.
Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free Goodness
Here's the lowdown: these Homemade Granola Bars with chocolate aren't health food exactly, but they’re definitely a better choice than many processed snacks.
Oats are packed with fibre, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. Nuts provide healthy fats and protein. I find it hard to believe but, according to a study, people who eat nuts regularly tend to live longer.
Remember, though, everything in moderation, yeah? Too much sugar isn’t ideal, even if it’s natural sugar like honey.
So there you have it! Now go forth and create some awesome Homemade Granola Bars with chocolate . Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own.
And most importantly, have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
My Homemade Granola Bars with chocolate are too crumbly! What went wrong?
A common issue! Usually, crumbly granola bars mean the mixture wasn't pressed firmly enough into the pan before baking. Think of it like building a sandcastle you need to pack the sand tight! Make sure to really compact the granola mixture down with a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.
Also, ensure you let them cool completely before cutting, otherwise they'll fall apart faster than a politician's promise.
Can I adapt these Homemade Granola Bars with chocolate to be vegan or gluten-free?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Also, double check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free. For gluten-free bars, ensure you're using certified gluten-free rolled oats, as some oats can be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
It's as simple as swapping a few ingredients; you'll have plant based bars in no time!
How long will these granola bars stay fresh? And what's the best way to store them?
These bars are best enjoyed within a week for optimal freshness. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a warmer climate, popping them in the fridge can help them stay firm and prevent the chocolate from melting.
Think of it like keeping your biscuits safe from raiding hands - a good container is key!
Can I change up the ingredients in these Homemade Granola Bars to suit my taste?
Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to swap out the mixed nuts for your favourites, like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and chewiness. Experiment with different chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or even white chocolate!
Just remember to keep the overall ratio of wet to dry ingredients consistent, or you risk a crumbly or soggy outcome.
Are these Homemade Granola Bars healthy? What's the nutritional value?
Relatively speaking, yes, they are healthier than many store-bought options, as you control the ingredients. They offer a good source of fiber and some protein from the oats and nuts. However, they do contain sugar and fat.
Check the recipe for the estimated calorie count and macronutrient breakdown per bar, and remember that this is just an estimate; your actual bar may have more or less calories depending on the actual ingredients and portion sizes.
Marzipan Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
