Store bought granola bars are usually one of two things: either loaded with sugar or very expensive. So, instead of buying, I make my own wholesome granola bars. They are easy to make, very tasty, and loaded with good for you goodness. They are perfect for a small energy boost early in the morning before I work out and great as a snack in the afternoon or any time hunger strikes. Another fabulous thing about this recipe is that it is adaptable to what you may have on hand or combinations you may want to try out.
Ingredients:
1/3 c. honey
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (or canola oil)
1 mashed banana (or 1/3 c. unsweetened applesauce)
1/3 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/3 c. peanut butter (I use homemade)
1 tsp vanilla
1 2/3 c. rolled oats
1/3 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. oat bran (or wheat germ)
1/4 c. flaxseed meal
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2/3 c. chopped nuts of choice (I usually use walnuts or almonds. Sometimes I do 1/3 c. nuts and 1/3 c. shredded unsweetened coconut for variation)
1/2 c. dried cranberries (or other dried fruit pieces)
1/2 c. chocolate chips (or more dried fruit)
Step One:
In a large bowl, beat together honey, oil, banana, applesauce, peanut butter, and vanilla.
Step Two:
Add in oats, flour, oat bran, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, nuts, fruit, and chocolate chips and mix until completely combined.
Step Three:
Press into a greased 13×9 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until edges are golden brown and the middle looks set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
These keep very well in a sealed container for about a week at room temperature and also freeze great. Enjoy whenever you need a little wholesome snack!
This post is linked to Homestead Barn Hop, Traditional Tuesdays, Whole Food Wednesday, Day2day Joys, and Country Mama Cooks.
3:04 pm on January 23rd, 2012
Sounds easy, looks delicious! Will have to try to make this real soon.
2:12 pm on January 24th, 2012
Sign me up! Those look incredible and the ingredient list is packed with foods we just love in our house. I’ve bookmarked it for future baking!
This is my first time here, but you definitely have a new follower.
I’ll be hosting whole food wednesdays at beyondthepeel.net. It would be great if you swung by. Have a great week.
3:08 pm on January 24th, 2012
Thanks for stopping by, France!
3:09 pm on January 24th, 2012
Thanks, Natalie! Let me know how they turn out!
11:34 am on January 25th, 2012
Yumminess! I’m bookmarking this to try.
7:19 pm on January 26th, 2012
These look delicious and I can’t wait to try these out!!!
7:36 am on January 27th, 2012
Hope you like them ReNee! Thanks for stopping by!
9:50 am on January 28th, 2012
I’m gonna try this…we love granola bars(homemade ones)…Thanks for Linking up @CountryMommaCooks….Have a wonderful weekend!
7:56 am on January 31st, 2012
Thanks for linking up to Healthy 2Day Wednesday – I’m ALWAYS looking for new granola recipes!
4:22 pm on May 25th, 2012
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