How to Make Breakfast Bars - Healthy Recipes from Scratch
Granola bars are a delicious and healthy option for an energizing breakfast or afternoon snack. They are high in carbohydrates, which gives you energy over longer periods than the usual rush of sugar, and depending on the ingredients they are also packed with nutrients, fiber and protein.
However, when you buy breakfast bars from a store they're usually saturated with sugar. Stay here at OneHowTo to learn how to make breakfast bars with these healthy recipes that you can make from scratch in your own kitchen. They're easy and fun to make with children: Read on!
Contents
How to make a classic breakfast bar
Most breakfast bars are variations on the classic granola bar. There are many recipes out there, but most of them follow the same pattern. To make a basic granola bar, you will need:
- 2 cups toasted rolled oats, granola, rice crispies or other cereals.
- 1/2 cup nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts), chia or pumpkin seeds.
- 1/2 cup peanut or almond butter.
- 2 beaten egg whites.
- 1/3 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 cup honey or syrup (agave, maple).
You can mix cereals or choose your favorite nuts or syrups. There are vegan recipes without egg whites, while others add yogurt. As long as the proportions do not make a too liquid or too crumbly mixture, most choices will work.
In order to make homemade granola bars, start by lining an oven tray with foil, spray it or grease it so that the granola will not stick. Combine the dry ingredients first and then add the egg whites, syrup and butter - although some people prefer to mix the wet ingredients together and then fold in the cereals and nuts.
Pour the mixture into the pan and make sure it's evenly packed. It's a good idea to press down a bit. Bake at 325 to 350º F (165 to 175º C) for half an hour. The baking time will depend on the extra ingredients, so start paying attention at 15 minutes so that nothing gets burnt.
Remove from the oven and let the mixture cool. Once it's out of the tray you can cut it into breakfast bars. They can be stored for a week at the most, or frozen (wrapped individually) for a month.
Healthy breakfast bar ideas
There are infinite twists you can add to the previously described granola bar recipe. We recommend using dried fruit as well as nuts and cereals for extra sweetness and nutrients. Our favorite breakfast bar ideas include:
- Classic cranberry breakfast bar: Add 3/4 cup dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the basic granola recipe. A perfect fall recipe!
- Yummy berries and yogurt breakfast bar: Add 3/4 cup dried berries (cranberries, blueberries or strawberries), 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the basic granola recipe. To make the yogurt coating, mix 1 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon gelatin and let it rest until you get a thick paste. Whisk 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or syrup and a pinch of salt and heat until liquid, stirring and not allowing it to boil. Mix the two bowls together and add 2 cups powdered sugar; stir well. Dip a side of the berry breakfast bar in the coating and let it dry overnight.
You can also make savory breakfast bars. Cheese and spices go specially well; add 1/2 cup grated dry cheese and 1/2 teaspoon cumin or paprika to the basic recipe and do not use any syrups. Perfect for grownups!
Homemade breakfast bars... With chocolate
There's nothing better than chocolate to give these homemade breakfast bars a decadent and family-friendly touch. From fancy fruit and dark chocolate mixes to the most classic brownie, you'll surely find the best option for you.
- Brownie breakfast bars: Add 2 cups pitted dates, 3/4 cup cocoa powder and extra finely chopped nuts to the basic granola recipe. An all-time favorite!
- Chocolate and coconut bars: Mix 1/4 cup coconut butter and 1 tablespoon coconut oil with your chosen syrup and heat to get a liquid mixture. Add chocolate chips and 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the basic recipe.
- Tart cherry, dark chocolate and pistachio bars: Add 1 cup pistachio, 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup dried tart cherries to the basic mixture for a sophisticated recipe.
- Chocolate pretzel breakfast bar: The perfect mix between sweet and salty! Add 1 cup chocolate chips or chocolate cereal, 3/4 cup pretzel chops and 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the basic recipe.
Lighter alternatives to breakfast bars
If you prefer a lighter and even healthier option, you could try making a banana-based breakfast bar. It's fun to make, and you'll eat more fresh fruit!
- Cut a banana in half, lengthwise.
- Pierce them with popsicle sticks.
- Coat the banana popsicles in sugar-free or dairy-free yogurt.
- Roll them in granola, shredded coconut, chopped nuts or sweet spices like cinnamon - any combination you want!
- Freeze.
This is how to make breakfast bars with healthy recipes that you can make from scratch!
If you have any tips, doubts or ideas, please share them in the comments section.
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