Homemade Granola Bars

Thursday, September 10, 2020

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!