If you haven't experienced the wonder of homemade granola bars, now's the time! Bake these with your kids for a lunchbox treat, or serve as a gluten-free snack for anyone, anytime. Toast rolled oats to bring out their nutty flavor before mixing in dried cranberries, pepitas & puffed rice. Lightly sweeten with a mix of honey, brown sugar & molasses. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top are sure to make these an instant hit!
20 min active; 35 min total plus cooling; makes 8—12 bars
INGREDIENTS
- 2 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 oz butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp molasses
- 1 cup puffed rice
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 2 Tbsp flax seeds
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Foil or parchment paper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. PREHEAT OVEN & TOAST OATS
- Preheat oven to 350ºF
- In a med bowl, toss oats with vegetable or canola oil & kosher salt
- Spread oats evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10—12 min, until toasted (careful not to burn them!)
- Reduce oven temp to 325ºF
2. MAKE GRANOLA BLEND
- In a small pot, heat butter over med until melted
- Stir in honey, brown sugar & molasses, then heat until just bubbling
- In a large bowl, combine toasted oats, puffed rice, dried cranberries, pepitas & flax seeds
- Pour hot syrup over oat mixture and toss well until thoroughly coated
3. BAKE GRANOLA INTO BARS
- Line baking sheet with foil or parchment
- Pour mixture on baking sheet, spread out evenly, and press down all over using a spatula
- Bake granola 15—20 min, until golden; while still hot sprinkle with chocolate chips, then let cool completely in pan
4. GARNISH & GATHER
- Once cooled, cut into squares—now you’ve got granola bars that are perfect for breakfast or on-the-go snacks!
