Delicious and Nutritious Low-Calorie Granola Bar Recipes

12/16/20234 min read

Introduction

Are you looking for a delicious snack recipes that won't derail your diet?

Look no further than these amazing low-calorie granola bar recipes!

Made with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, these homemade granola bars are the perfect guilt-free treats.

Whether you're following a low calorie low carb diet or just look for flavorful and healthy snack recipes, these recipes has got you covered.

The Benefits of Homemade Granola Bars

Store-bought granola bars are often loaded with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients.

Making your own granola bars at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize them to suit your dietary needs.

By using highly nutritious ingredients and cutting back on sugar and unhealthy fats, you can enjoy a nutritious snack that will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day.

Low-Calorie Granola Bar Recipes

Here's a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for low-calorie granola bars:

1. Classic Oat and Nut Bars

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds

  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

  • 1/4 cup almond butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven, 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a bowl, mix oats and chopped almonds.

  3. In a small saucepan, warm honey or maple syrup and almond butter until smooth. Remove from the stove and then add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

  4. Pour this wet mixture over your dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

  5. Place the mixture into a baking dish you have prepared with a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

  6. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

2. Fruit and Nut Bliss Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried fruits (e.g., apricots, cranberries, or raisins)

  • 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., walnuts, cashews, or pistachios)

  • 2 cups crispy rice cereal

  • 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar

  • 1/4 cup nut butter (almond or peanut)

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, blend dried fruits and mixed nuts until finely chopped.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the fruit-nut blend with crispy rice cereal.

  3. In a saucepan, warm honey or agave nectar, nut butter, and cinnamon until well combined.

  4. Pour the prepared mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.

  5. Press the mixture into a lined pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

3. Chocolate Protein Power Bars

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats

  • 1 cup chocolate protein powder

  • 1/2 cup almond butter

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Combine oats and chocolate protein powder in a bowl

2. In a small saucepan, warm almond butter and honey until smooth. Add almond milk and stir until well combined.

3. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

4. Fold in dark chocolate chips.

5. Press the mixture into a lined pan and refrigerate until set. Cut into bars before serving.

4. Simple granola bar with low carb version

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup almonds, chopped

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

  • 1/4 cup honey (honey is best for keeping the granola bar together but you might be able to use maple syrup or, for a low carb version, a liquid sugar free sweetener such as fiber syrup as well)

  • 2 tablespoons almond butter

  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Set the oven to be heated before you start (350 degrees Fahrenheit/175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a baking dish using a sheet of parchment paper.

2. Combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl.

3. Use a saucepan to heat the honey (or the fiber syrup of your choice), vanilla extract and almond butter over low heat until well combined.

4. After the wet mixture is ready, pour it over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.

5. Now place the mixture in a baking dish you had prepared before and use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly.

6. Bake for until the edges turn golden brown. It should take about 15-20 minutes.

7. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.

8. Place the granola bars in a container that's airtight for up to a week.

Customize Your Granola Bars

Feel free to get creative and tailor your granola bars to your taste preferences and nutritional needs. Here are some ideas:

  • You can add dried fruits of your choice, such as cranberries or raisins, or even chopped dates for a natural sweetness.

  • Incorporate seeds like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds for an extra nutritional boost.

  • You can also use other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews instead of almonds. Just be sure to check the calories as some of these nuts (and dried fruits) are high in calories, and if your goal is a low-calorie granola bar, it will suit your objective better to use them in moderation.

  • If you're following a keto or low-carb diet, replace the honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.

  • For a chocolatey twist, mix in some dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs.

Conclusion

You may have a delicious and nutritious snack guilt-free with this simple low-calorie granola bar recipe.

These handmade granola bars are ideal for a quick breakfast, a lunchtime pick-me-up, or a post-workout refuel.

Plus, they are easily customizable to suit your dietary preferences.

So why settle for store-bought when you can make your own healthy and tasty granola bars at home?

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the benefits of a wholesome snack that will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day!