Homemade granola bars

 

This recipe arose out of frustration. We were tired of the expense of store-bought granola bars and sick of the wastefulness of their plastic wrappers. We wanted some wholesome, yummy granola bars for home. So, in a fit of we-can-make-these-just-as-well-as Nature Valley-can, we mixed a few things from the pantry in a big bowl, pressed them into a pan and baked. And we were thrilled with what we got!

These granola bars are crunchy/soft, delicious and relatively heathy. Another bonus: if you have the basic ingredients on hand, you can experiment with the seeds, nuts and fruit that you add.

Rating: Truly 1/2 assed

Here's what you need and how you do it

2-1/2 cups whole oats

3/4 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) (we used macadamia)

1/2 cup dried fruit (optional)

2 Tablespoons seeds (such as sunflower, flax or sesame)

1 Tablespoon vanilla

1/4 cup honey

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown rice syrup (found in most grocery stores near the rice cakes, keeps forever in the fridge. If you decide not to purchase this extra item, you can bring the honey up to 3/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of brown sugar. We think the brown rice syrup does a better job of binding, though.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Press into a greased 8x8 pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until top turns golden and feels just firm to the touch. Don't over bake or these will turn into bricks.

Let cool for 10 minutes, then cut into rectangles. Store in an airtight container.

For a printable version of this recipe, click here.

Comments

[Allison]

Hi,
first time commentor, long time reader!

do you think corn syrup would work as a substitute for the brown rice syrup?

[Half Assed Kitchen]

To be honest, Allison, I wondered that as I wrote the recipe. I think corn syrup would work. If you try it, please let us know how it turns out.

[smilinggreenmom]

This is very similar to my homemade granola bar recipe that our kids LOVE! I use soy butter in it though. I really want to try it with Kamut khorasan wheat flakes. I am always on the look out for the yummiest and healthiest treats for us :) Thanks for your recipe!