Are you ready to indulge in a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat that not only satisfies your cravings but also fuels your day? Look no further than these irresistible Strawberry MM Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome rolled oats, gooey peanut butter, and a delightful pop of M&M's, this recipe is a perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence. Whether you're seeking a quick breakfast on the go or a midday snack to power through your afternoon slump, these homemade bars are just what you need. Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to create these mouthwatering bars that will have your taste buds singing!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup dried strawberries
- 1/2 cup M&M's
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and salt, stirring to distribute the salt evenly throughout the oats.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the honey and peanut butter together for 30-45 seconds, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the warm honey-peanut butter mixture over the oats and mix thoroughly until all oats are evenly coated and moistened.
- Fold in the dried strawberries, ensuring they are distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula or clean hands to create a compact layer.
- Sprinkle the M&M's on top of the pressed mixture, gently pressing them into the surface to help them adhere.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper edges to lift the granola slab out of the pan and cut into 10 even bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Tips
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap out the dried strawberries and M&M's for your favorite dried fruits or nuts. Try adding chocolate chips or coconut for a different twist!
- Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture to the baking pan, make sure to press down firmly. This helps the bars hold together and prevents them from crumbling once baked.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the granola bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden brown edge and a set top around the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step is crucial for achieving clean cuts and ensuring the bars maintain their shape.
- Storage Tips: For optimal freshness, store your granola bars in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for a week or freezing for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
