Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped prunes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
Special equipment needed:
- 8x8 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped prunes, chopped almonds, and salt.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the honey and almond butter over low heat until melted and smooth.
5. Pour the honey and almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool completely in the pan.
9. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
10. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled granola bars.
11. Let the chocolate set for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
Makes 8-10 bars
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 bar):
Calories: 210
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any dried fruit instead of prunes, such as raisins or dried cranberries.
- You can use any nut butter instead of almond butter, such as peanut butter or cashew butter.
- You can use any type of chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the dry ingredients for a tropical twist.
- Swap out the almond butter for sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Add 1/4 cup of chia seeds or flax seeds to the dry ingredients for added nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the granola mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure the bars hold together.
- Let the granola bars cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
These granola bars are best served at room temperature.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the granola bars on a wooden cutting board or on a plate lined with parchment paper.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle some extra chopped almonds or shredded coconut on top of the chocolate drizzle for added texture.
Pairings:
These granola bars pair well with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-morning or afternoon snack.
Suggested side dishes:
These granola bars are a great on-the-go snack and don't require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the granola bars are too crumbly, try adding more honey or almond butter to the mixture.
- If the granola bars are too soft, try baking them for a few extra minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the granola bars in an airtight container to prevent them from going stale or attracting moisture.
Food history:
Granola bars were first invented in the late 1800s by Dr. James Caleb Jackson, who created a breakfast cereal called "granula". The modern granola bar as we know it today was first introduced in the 1970s.
Flavor profiles:
These granola bars have a sweet and nutty flavor from the honey, almond butter, and chopped almonds, with a chewy texture from the rolled oats and chopped prunes. The dark chocolate drizzle adds a rich and indulgent touch.
Serving suggestions:
These granola bars are perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go, a mid-morning or afternoon snack, or a sweet treat after dinner.
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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chocolatey, Chewy, Fruity