Molasses and Ginger Granola Bars
Molasses and Ginger Granola Bars inspired by Gingerbread Cookies, plus a simple 5 ingredient formula for creating your own homemade granola bars.
I have never made homemade granola bars. I thought it was time to change that. They looked pretty simple and it’s always nice to have a semi-healthy sweet on hand for a snack or to grab on my way out to take the kids to school if I don’t have time to eat breakfast beforehand.
Click HERE to save this recipe for Molasses and Ginger Granola Bars to Pinterest!
Then I had the idea to make gingerbread inspired granola bars. Instead of honey as the sweetener as is used in many recipes I substituted molasses and maple syrup and used plenty of ginger and other gingerbread inspired spices.
I can’t wait to try flavor combos using this easy formula. Next time I’ll make a double batch in a 9×13 inch baking pan.
They store well in the freezer for up to a month. The recipe for the Molasses and Ginger Granola Bars is below, just keep scrolling.
5 Ingredients To Create Your Own Chewy Granola Bars
If you want to customize this recipe to create your own chewy granola bars, just follow the guidelines below! The full recipe for the Molasses and Ginger Granola Bars is at the end of this post.
1. Rolled Grains (i.e. oats): 2 1/2 cups total
- You’ll probably want to use oats for the bulk, but you can use a combination of several different grains. Other ideas include: rye and barley flakes.
- When using oatmeal, be sure to use old fashioned or rolled oats – NOT quick cook oats.
2. Nuts, Seeds, & Spices: 1 cup total Nuts & Seeds, Spices per your discretion.
- Use 1 cup of your favorite nut or a combination of several different nuts.
- Nuts are a good source of protein, fiber and the good fats (omegas). Because they’re calorie dense, they will help fill you up.
- Accent your bars with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or another favorite spice. Or, simply omit.
3. Sticky Sweetener: 1/3 + 1/4 cup
- For something sweet you’ll need a sticky sweetener, such as honey, agave, molasses, maple syrup, etc. Sweetener adds moisture and flavor.
- Use the full amount as one sweetener, or mix up the flavors.
4. Dried Fruits: 1 cup total
- Fruits are what I most look forward to experimenting with. You can change the flavor of the bar so easily with different fruits.
- Fun combinations: triple berry, apple cranberry, pineapple mango
5. Binder: 1 cup total
- This is what will hold the bars together and keep them chewy without over drying.
- These Molasses and Ginger Granola Bars use pureed dates, but get creative. Prunes, Apple Butter, and Almond Butter would be great choices too.
- Just make sure you use something that has a thick consistency that will also add moisture.
Click HERE to save this recipe for Molasses and Ginger Granola Bars to Pinterest!
I am hoping that the kids will be game for eating these homemade granola bars as well since they are so simple to make. I think they’d make a perfect afternoon snack paired with apple slices, or another fruit.
These soft and chewy granola bars really hit the spot for me when I was in need of a little bit of a sweet fix.
More Granola Bar Recipes
Simple, delicious SOFT cherry chocolate chip granola bars made without any weird ingredients. (Gluten free, vegan).
Celebrate fall with these easy to make Pumpkin Chai Chocolate Chip Granola Bars featuring oats, real pumpkin puree, chai spices, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas.
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Molasses and Ginger Granola Bars
Molasses and Ginger Granola Bars inspired by Gingerbread Cookies, plus a simple 5 ingredient formula for creating your own homemade granola bars.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cook)
- 1-2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a full-sized food processor, combine the molasses, maple syrup, vanilla, and dates. Pulse three times.
- Add the cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Puree until mixture is smooth. Add the oats and pulse until the oats are coarsely chopped.
- Remove the oat mixture from the food processor and transfer to a medium bowl, taking care to scrape the edges of the food processor to remove all of the mixture.
- Stir in the cranberries, pecans, apricots, and sunflower seeds until well mixed.
- Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper (Kitchen Tip: Lining Pans with Parchment).
- Press the oat mixture into the baking pan until the mixture is evenly distributed throughout the pan and tightly packed.
- Bake at 325 degrees F for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, cool in the freezer until the bars are firm.
- Lift the parchment paper out of the pan, remove, and cut into 8-12 bars.
Notes
Store bars in an airtight container for up to a week. Bars may be frozen for up to a month and thawed as needed.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 258Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 262mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 5gSugar: 32gProtein: 4g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Kasey says
I’ve never made my own granola bars and these look fabulous!! Definitely bookmarking this one 🙂
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says
LOVE this post! What a great formula. I have made homemade granola bars before, but I’ve always been “tied” to a specific recipe. I will absolutely be making some granola bars over the weekend for snacks next week!
Erica says
Can you suggest any other things to use as binders?
Katie says
Any kind of nut butter or thick fruit – figs, prunes, dates, (applesauce might be too thin, I haven’t tried that yet). Just substitute whatever you choose, i.e. dried figs, and puree with the ingredients listed in step one of my example recipe. Hope that helps.
Cecelia says
Thank you so much for posting this formula! very helpful
Lisa {Smart Food & Fit} says
Great post, we make homemade granola and homemade granola and protein bars all the time!
I just started “name this product” on my food blog. The ingredient list for store bought granola bars will be on my “name this product? ” post, (near future). Your recipe is definitely a more nutritious one compared to many store bought ones!
Jennifer says
Why should you not use quick oat for granola bars?
Katie says
Because I did not create this recipe using quick oats and therefore cannot guarantee how or what it will turn out like. If you’d like to take the risk, that is fine just know that I’m not able to vouch for how they will turn out.
Jennifer says
Okay, I wanted to try this recipe but all I have a quick oats. I guess I will just try it and see how they turn out! Thanks!
Jennifer says
Okay, I wanted to try this recipe but all I have a quick oats. I guess I will just try it and see how they turn out! Thanks!
Lynda@Me and My Pink Mixer says
I’ve been making my own granola bars for about 2 months now and love them. So much better than store bought! I use peanut butter and rice syrup for my binder and keep them in the fridge. Yours look yummy ~ love the addition of the dried fruit.
Andrea [bella eats] says
Hi Katie! I’ve just discovered your blog…it is so lovely! Your food photography is gorgeous and your recipes are very accessible. I look forward to reading more!
Happy When Not Hungry says
I love making homemade granola bars! Yours look delicious too. Thanks for the tips!
Cheryl Smithem says
Once again, I’m inspired by your carefully thought out recipe and the incredible photography. We don’t eat many granola bars, but you’ve made me want to make some with this recipe. The other benefit of molasses is the wonderful nutritional bonuses you get: iron, calcium, copper and manganese as well as a good source of potassium and magnesium.
Casa e Cose says
Will do this with my son tonight! He is allergic to milk protein so im allways in the search for happy healthy and yummi things for him!
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says
I love how you break down the ratios of your granola bar recipe for customization-thanks! I love molasses-sweetened treats so I think your recipe sounds perfect.
Lisa@ Dishes of Mrs. Fish says
Thanks for the helpful tips! I am planning on making homemade granola bars soon, so I LOVED this post. 🙂
Sues says
These look awesome! I love homemade granola, but need to try it in bar form. I have a feeling I’d really enjoy the ginger flavor 🙂
Kat @ Cupcake Kat says
I love the formula you give for creating your own granola bars. I’m going to try it out. The bars you’ve made sound delightful.
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says
Katie, you’re killing me. Those look like something you’d get at a tiny family owned bakery and I’d happily pay $3 a bar. Gorgeous photos!