Granola bars…..this is the snack food I have tried to like for so long. They are quick, convenient, and usually look so healthy, but are they? There are so many options on the grocery store shelves, but I have yet to find one that satisfies my taste and my desire for a healthy snack. I want to know the ingredients and be able to pronounce every one. So far, my search has not been satisfied. Today, I am trying a different path…let’s make homemade granola bars!
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Mix Up The Ingredients
After a few attempts, I’ve learned that you need a good base that will hold your ingredients together. Once you have that, you can begin creating the granola bar you desire. Choose ingredients you know and love and have fun with your bars. This is the combination I have claimed as my favorite. Give it a try and let me know what you mix into your bars!
Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup walnut halves or whole almonds roughly chopped
- ½ cup puffed rice cereal organic (optional), or just add more oats
- ⅓ cup honey local raw honey for added immune support
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter ghee or coconut oil also good options
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp chia seeds I add more but it's up to you. (optional)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup golden raisins (optional)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (Craisins) (optional)
- ½ cup cocoa chips or other chocolate roughly chopped
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate for melting and drizzling (if desired)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray or coconut oil, set aside
- Combine the oats and chopped nuts in a skillet and lightly toast for about 10 minutes (stir constantly until fragrant). Or toast these in the oven at 325° for about 10 minutes. This is one step I do not skip.
- Combine honey, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and chia seeds in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until butter and sugar melt completely. Pour the butter mixture over the toasted oats and nuts and add the rice cereal (if using), raisins and cranberries. Stir well.
- Let the mixture cool for at least 20 minutes then add the chocolate and mix together well.
- Using a spatula, press the mixture into the prepared 8×8 pan. Be sure to press down on every part of the mixture so that you do not have loose pieces falling off. Place in refrigerator for at least an hour.
- If desired, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate and drizzle across the granola mixture. Once cool, lift parchment paper from the pan and cut it into squares or rectangles. Once cut, these freeze perfectly and can be placed in a zipped bag for 2-3 weeks. Easy to grab and go! Or, simply cut, place in the refrigerator, and eat when you like for up to one week.
Notes
Share Your Bars
My quest to cut back on processed foods is not easy. I am taking this challenge one food at a time. It will take patience and quite a bit of resolve but these granola bars are proof that it is worth the extra stretch. Once you try these be sure to comment below and share what you love. Here’s to mixing up our day-to-day and trying a new approach!
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