These chewy granola bars will soon be your favorite snack. You know the ingredients and probably have them on hand. No more store-bought granola bars! Let's make some!!
½cuppuffed rice cerealorganic (optional), or just add more oats
⅓cup honeylocal raw honey for added immune support
4tbspunsalted butterghee or coconut oil also good options
¼cup dark brown sugar
1tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tsp chia seedsI add more but it's up to you. (optional)
½tspkosher salt
¼cupgolden raisins(optional)
¼cup dried cranberries (Craisins)(optional)
½ cup cocoa chips or other chocolateroughly chopped
¼cup semi-sweet chocolate for melting and drizzling (if desired)
Instructions
Line an 8x8 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 8x8 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
Have fun with these and make them your own. Choose nuts that you love and dried fruits that you happen to have on hand. The best part about these granola bars is how you can continually change the ingredients to keep them exciting.