Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C with fan). Prepare a square baking pan measuring about 20x20 cm. To ensure the parchment paper adheres perfectly and doesn't shift while pouring in the mixture, grease the bottom and sides of the pan with a little butter or oil, then line it with one piece of parchment paper so that the edges extend over the sides of the pan. This will make it easier to remove the finished block of bars later.
Description
Discover the recipe for perfectly crunchy yet chewy muesli bars that embody the essence of a healthy and delicious snack. They are not only an alternative to store-bought sweets, full of sugar and preservatives, but also a fantastic way to use up your stock of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Each bite is a wealth of flavors and textures: the sweetness of honey and apricots, the deep, nutty aroma of roasted almonds and walnuts, and the crunchiness of oats and seeds. The bars are incredibly filling due to their high fiber and protein content, making them ideal fuel to start the day, an energy boost before a workout, or a nutritious snack for work or school. Their preparation is simple and allows for complete freedom in choosing your favorite ingredients, and the golden color with visible pieces of dried fruits makes them look incredibly appetizing.
Ingredients (10)
- Mountain oats 200 g
- wildflower honey 120 g
- Smooth peanut butter 100 g
- Nut mixture (walnuts, almonds) 100 g
- Shelled sunflower seeds 50 g
- Dried apricots 80 g
- Sea salt 1 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Ground cinnamon 3 g
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Chia seeds 30 g
- Coconut flakes 30 g
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Preparation steps
Preparing the pan and dry ingredients
In a large, dry skillet (without adding any fat), place the oats and the nut mixture. Toast them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until they start to release a strong, nutty aroma and the oats and nuts are lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them, as they will become bitter. Once done, transfer the toasted ingredients to a large bowl and let them cool.
When the toasted ingredients in the bowl have cooled, add the sunflower seeds and cinnamon. Chop the dried apricots into small cubes (about 0.5 cm) with a sharp knife and add them to the bowl as well. If you are using optional ingredients such as chia seeds or coconut flakes, add them now. Mix everything thoroughly with a large spoon to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
Preparation of the wet base
In a small saucepan with a thick bottom, place the honey, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt. Heat over low flame, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula or whisk, until the ingredients combine into a smooth, liquid mixture. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Do not bring the mixture to a boil! The goal is just to warm it up and liquefy it, which will allow it to easily combine with the dry ingredients.
Pour the hot, liquid honey-nut mixture immediately into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula, mix everything vigorously and thoroughly until every flake, nut, and fruit is evenly coated with the sticky mixture. Make sure to reach the bottom of the bowl, where dry ingredients often accumulate.
Shaping and Baking
Transfer the finished, sticky mixture to the prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper. Now for the most important step: pressing. Use the bottom of a glass, another piece of parchment paper, or a spoon dampened with water to press the mixture down very firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Pay special attention to the corners. The firmer you press the mixture, the better the bars will hold their shape after baking.
Place the mold with the mixture in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The bars are ready when their edges are clearly golden-brown, and the center feels firm to the touch. During baking, the kitchen will be filled with a wonderful, nutty-honey aroma.
Cooling and Slicing
After removing from the oven, leave the pan with the bars on a metal rack to cool completely at room temperature. This is an absolutely crucial step – it will take at least 30-40 minutes. Cutting hot or even warm bars will result in them falling apart! To further firm them up and make cutting easier, after the initial cooling, place the entire pan in the refrigerator for another 20-30 minutes.
Once the bar block is cold and firm, use the protruding edges of the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan entirely and place it on a cutting board. Use a very sharp, large knife (e.g., a chef's knife) to cut the block into 12 equal rectangles. Store the finished bars according to the instructions.
Fun Fact
The prototype of today's granola bars was 'Granula', invented in 1863 by Dr. James Caleb Jackson. These were hard lumps made from Graham flour that required soaking in milk overnight before eating. Fortunately, today's versions are much tastier and ready to eat right away!
Best for
Tips
The bars taste best at room temperature. They can be eaten on their own or crumbled over natural yogurt, creating a delicious granola. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, plant-based drink, or a cup of coffee.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer (up to 2-3 weeks), store them in the refrigerator, separated by pieces of parchment paper. They can also be frozen - wrap each bar individually in paper and place them in a zip-lock bag. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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