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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.
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.
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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.
Chad says
I’ve made similar granola bars for over a year now and stumbled onto using molasses or pancake syrup when I ran out of honey. Another tip that I stumbled upon quite by accident was storing the granola bars in a freshly emptied out coffee can. The trace amounts of coffee grounds get picked up by the sticky bars and gives an eye opening invigorating boost to the bars. Look forward to the next post.
April says
http://organiquegal.com/chewy-granola-bar-formula-chocolate-chip-coconut.html
I made these granola bars and gave you credit in my blog post. 🙂 They turned out AMAZING!!!
michelle says
I made these today and they are yummy! I used quick oats and it turned out a little crumblier than pictured above, but still yummy! The molasses is not overpowering, it is about the same amount of flavor you would taste in gingerbread or molasses cookies.
Suzanne says
I have been interested in making granola bars and granola in general, but the ingredients used seem expensive. Dried fruit is probably the most expensive. Does anyone have a general idea on how much a batch of 8 bars costs? Also, does anyone have recommendations on good places to buy dried fruit? Thanks!
Katie says
I have not calculated out how much the batch costs. I like to buy dried fruit at Costco. Dried cranberries are particularly inexpensive.
mary n says
Can’t wait to try it. I use the suggestion of another blogger and put mine in a muffin tin, that way they come out pre-portioned.
Candy Sartell says
I made these. A departure from your typical granola bar. This one is lovely, so full of flavor which I love. Store bought granola bars typically taste like sawdust and are a far cry from the “healthy” reputation they would have us believe them to be. These are so simple to make and the Molasses/Ginger is reminiscent of the old-fashioned brown bread. Allow a bar to come to room temperature. The flavor is heightened and it’s a softer,gooey treat. Thanks for sharing… and the suggested alternatives!
Amy says
Wow–these were so good. I had to take them to work and share them so I would not eat the whole batch myself. Now everyone wants your recipe, and I am happy to oblige! At first I thought the molasses was a bit strong but they quickly became strangely addictive. I may try less molasses next time and add some honey in instead. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
Chocolate Freckles says
Why would you need to buy any unhealthy preackage stuff with tons of salt when you can actually make your own and control how much you add into it!
Shaina says
Love how these look. I’m always looking to expand our granola bar love.
Holli says
These look beautiful. I love how easily you present them and allow the baker room for creativity. Thanks for putting this out there! I can’t wait to make them!
Cheers,
Holli
Lindsey says
Yum; they are in the oven right now. I’ve been looking for a good granola recipe for a while to avoid all the processed ingredients. This looks like a winner!
Dori says
I love granola bars for their convenience and tastiness, especially on mornings when I’m rushing to school. Thanks for the great recipe!
The Food Hunter says
I’ve been wanting to try making granola bars..thanks for this great recipe
consu says
I am a big fan of granola. Now you gave me the perfect “excuse” to try to make some of my own. Thank you.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Spicy! I love all those yummy spices in the recipe, it’s like a molasses ginger cookie but better for you 🙂
Kathi says
When in an air tight container does it have to refrigerated?
Katie says
No, unless you plan on storing them for more than a week. They can also store frozen in a container for up to a month or so.