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Crunchy Granola Bites: Honey-Sweetened, No Bake Treats

In the realm of healthy snacking, there’s a special place for crunchy granola bites. These delectable morsels, sweetened with honey and featuring an array of wholesome ingredients, offer the perfect blend of flavour and nourishment. Best of all, they require no baking—making them an incredibly convenient option for busy individuals or families seeking nutritious snacks. Here’s how to whip up a batch of Crunchy Granola Bites, courtesy of The Cook’s Treat.

Ingredients

To create your own crunchy granola bites, you will need the following simple ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats: Use whole rolled oats for the best texture and health benefits.
• 1 cup nut butter: Almond butter or peanut butter works beautifully, adding creaminess and protein.
• 1/2 cup honey: The natural sweetness of honey not only enhances flavour but also acts as a binding agent.
• 1/2 cup nuts: Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans will add a lovely crunch.
• 1/2 cup dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots introduce a chewy element.
• 1/4 cup seeds: Chia, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds contribute extra nutrients and texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a hint of warmth and depth in flavour.
• A pinch of salt: To balance the sweetness.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by measuring out all your ingredients. This simple step helps streamline the process and ensures you have everything ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and seeds. Stir them together to mix them evenly.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the nut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This creamy mixture is essential for binding your granola bites.

Step 4: Blend Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or your hands, mix everything thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are well-coated with the wet mixture. It should have a sticky consistency that’s easy to form into balls.

Step 5: Shape the Bites

Take a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls, roughly one inch in diameter. Alternatively, you can press the mixture into a lined baking tray to create bars, which can then be cut into squares once set.

Step 6: Chill to Set

Place the rolled bites or pressed bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling time allows them to firm up and makes them easier to handle.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Once chilled, your crunchy granola bites are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutritional Benefits

These honey-sweetened granola bites are not only delicious but also boast a range of health benefits. Using rolled oats provides a good source of complex carbohydrates and fibre, which helps keep you fuller for longer. The nuts and seeds add healthy fats and protein, while dried fruits provide natural sugars along with vitamins and minerals.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on the go, a post-workout snack, or a satisfying addition to kids’ lunchboxes, crunchy granola bites fit the bill perfectly. They are versatile and can be customised with your favourite ingredients—switch out nuts for seeds or try different dried fruits depending on your preferences.

In conclusion, these honey-sweetened, no-bake crunchy granola bites are a delightful way to embrace healthy snacking. With minimal preparation and maximum flavour, they are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to these wholesome bites of goodness!