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Chewy Granola Bars

Chewy granola bars made in a square Anyday dish in the microwave, featuring wholesome rolled oats, creamy almond butter, and a touch of honey. Packed with nutritious coconut flakes, dried fruit, and crunchy almonds, these easy bars are perfect for a satisfying snack.
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Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

2-3 mins

Free Time

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Chewy Granola Bars

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Looking for a snack that's as easy on your schedule as it is on your sweet tooth? Our chewy granola bars are made with wholesome rolled oats, creamy almond butter, and a touch of honey, and are loaded with nutritious coconut flakes, dried fruit, and crunchy almonds. Once you try these homemade bars, you won’t want to buy the store-bought kind ever again!

You don’t have to wait for the oven to preheat; simply press the mixture into a Square dish and cook in the microwave. Once they're set and cooled, they're ready for snacking or packing up for on-the-go convenience. Plus, with an Anyday dish, storing them is a breeze — just pop on the lid and keep these chewy granola bars fresh for up to a week.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Small Square Dish

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup (65g) old-fashioned oats
  • ¼ cup (20g) sliced almonds
  • ¼ cup (15g) shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • ¼ cup (25g) dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or currants
  • ¼ cup (75g) honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup (65g) almond butter (crunchy or smooth)
  • 2 teaspoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

  1. Line a Square dish with parchment paper, making sure it fits snugly, and set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the oats are sticky and well-coated.
  3. Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared Anyday dish, pressing firmly to pack it down. Use the back of a measuring cup or a flat object to help with this step.
  4. Cook in the microwave uncovered for 2-3 minutes, or until you hear a sizzling sound and notice a slight toasted aroma when opening the oven door.
  5. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator and allow to cool completely before cutting (about 1 hour).
  6. Once chilled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles.

Suggestions

  • Cherry white chocolate: Swap almonds for tart dried cherries and add white chocolate chips for a sweet and tangy twist.
  • Peanut & pretzels: Replace almond butter with peanut butter and use crumbled pretzels instead of dried fruit or almonds for a satisfying savory-sweet combo.
  • Chocolate & raspberry: Substitute dark chocolate chips for almonds and freeze-dried raspberries for dried fruit for a decadent and tangy treat.
  • Tropical: Use chopped dehydrated mangoes and pineapples as the dried fruit and swap almonds for macadamia nuts for a taste of the tropics.
  • Discover more oat recipes by exploring our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • For a better texture, lightly spray a piece of parchment paper and place it on top of the hot granola bars. Gently press down to pack down the bars for a deliciously chewy texture.
  • After the bars have cooled, cut them into your desired size. Store them in an Anyday dish with the knob down for freshness.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Chewy Granola Bars in the Microwave

What are chewy granola bars?

Chewy granola bars are a tasty and convenient snack made from a mix of oats, nut butter, sweeteners, and mix-ins like dried fruits and nuts. They’re perfect for a quick bite and can be customized to suit your preferences!

Can I make granola bars in the microwave?

Yes, you can make granola bars in the microwave using an Anyday dish! Simply prepare your granola bar mixture as directed, press it into the dish, and microwave according to the recipe instructions. This method eliminates the need to preheat the oven and makes clean-up a breeze. Just be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Can I use instant oats instead? How about steel cut oats?

Yes, you can use instant oats instead of rolled oats in granola bars. Keep in mind, though, that instant oats are more finely ground, which might give your bars a softer texture. Rolled oats usually provide a better bite and chew. It’s best to stick with rolled oats rather than steel-cut oats for granola bars. Steel-cut oats are firmer and require more cooking time, which can affect the texture and consistency of your bars.

Can I make granola bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free granola bars, use certified gluten-free oats and double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you’ll make sure your bars are suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I add protein powder to the granola bar recipe?

Yes, adding protein powder is a great way to boost the protein content of your granola bars. Just mix about 1 tablespoon of protein powder for every 3/4 cup of oats to the mixture.

Can I make this recipe ahead, and how long can I save it for?

Yes, you can prepare granola bars ahead of time. After following the recipe, store the bars in an Anyday dish with the lid on to keep them fresh. They’ll stay good for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy a convenient and delicious snack throughout the week.

How can I prevent my granola bars from crumbling?

To keep your granola bars from crumbling, make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan before and after baking. You might also consider adding extra nut butter or honey to help bind the ingredients together.

Are granola bars a suitable snack option for children?

Yes, granola bars are a great snack for kids, especially when made with nutritious ingredients and minimal added sugars. They offer a good balance of energy, fiber, and nutrients, making them a handy and wholesome option for busy days. Just be sure to check for any ingredient allergies first!

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