Busy Executive Breakfast: Homemade Granola Bars for the On-the-Go Professional

Busy Executive Breakfast Homemade Granola Bars

Recipe Overview:

Start your day with a boost of energy from these Busy Executive Breakfast Homemade Granola Bars. This recipe is ideal for those with a hectic lifestyle who still want to enjoy a wholesome, homemade breakfast. Unlike store-bought granola bars filled with preservatives and added sugars, these bars are packed with nutritious ingredients, making them a healthier choice. Originating from the DIY kitchen culture, they are perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go, a pre-work snack, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

The flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet and nutty, with a touch of natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup. The texture is a satisfying combination of chewy and crunchy, thanks to oats, nuts, and seeds.

Prep and Cook Times:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Skill Level: Beginner

Serving Information:

This recipe yields 12 granola bars. For an extra touch, pair these bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a piece of fresh fruit for a complete breakfast!

Ingredients List:

• 2 cups (180g) rolled oats
• 1 cup (100g) nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or chia)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (80g) dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), chopped (optional)

Substitutions:

• For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure that oats and any additional ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Equipment List:

• Mixing bowls
• 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar size pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven

Notes:

• If you don’t have a baking dish, a deep roasting pan can work as an alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and seeds. Stir until well combined.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
6. Add Dried Fruits: If using, fold in the chopped dried fruits until evenly distributed.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly to ensure it holds together.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Cool and Cut: Let the granola bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Tip: Be careful not to overbake, as they can become too hard.

Technique Tips and Troubleshooting:

• Pressing Firmly: Ensure you press the mixture firmly into the baking dish; this helps the bars hold together once cooled.
• Storing in a Cool Place: If the mixture seems too crumbly, try adding a touch more honey or oil before baking.
• Testing Doneness: Look for a golden-brown color on the edges to gauge doneness.

Plating and Presentation:

Cut the bars into neat squares or rectangles and serve them in a stack or neatly arranged on a plate. You can also wrap them individually in parchment paper for a grab-and-go option. For an extra touch, sprinkle with a few extra nuts or seeds on top before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, where they will last for up to 2 weeks. There’s no need to reheat, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Variations and Customizations:

• Chocolate Lovers: Stir in chocolate chips or cocoa nibs for a sweet twist.
• Nut-Free: Replace nuts with more seeds or puffed rice for a nut-free version.
• Protein Boost: Add protein powder to the wet mixture for an extra energy boost.

Notes on Ingredients and Equipment:

• Fresh nuts and seeds deliver the best flavor, so consider toasting them lightly before adding to the mixture.
• If you can’t find coconut oil, any neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) can be used.

Final Touches and Personal Notes:

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it was inspired by my busy mornings as an executive. I wanted a nutritious, homemade option that didn’t take too long to prepare. Feel free to experiment with ingredients based on what you have on hand and make this recipe your own!

FAQ

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

   • Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats hold together better for bars.

2. How can I make these bars sweeter?

   • Increase the amount of honey or maple syrup, or add some chocolate chips for a sweet touch.

3. Can I freeze these granola bars?

   • Absolutely! Wrap them individually and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

4. What can I substitute for coconut oil?

   • You can use any neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, but coconut oil adds a nice flavor.
5. How do I know when they are done baking?
   • Look for a golden-brown edge and a slightly firm texture. They will harden as they cool.

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