Fun fact - I have a secret stash of Kashi granola bars in my desk at work and they are the best afternoon pick-me-up when that inescapable pang of hunger hits at 3pm. Everyone knows that feeling! Well, one day when I was in the store buying my prized granola bars, I couldn't believe how expensive just ONE box of granola bars was...I mean, at the end of the day, it's mostly oats - right?! So I started a mission to make my own homemade granola bar recipe that ideally would be much cheaper and equally as delicious. I'd be lying if I told you that I got these on the first try, because it was more like the 10th try. BUT the good news is I finally perfected them, and safe to say, I won't be buying granola bars from the store anymore (sorry Kashi)! These homemade granola bars are a delightful addition to any breakfast or mid-day snack! They are a delicious portable snack that can be easily added to any child or adult's lunchbox. Chewy, sweet & a little salty - the perfect combo.
*These granola bars are gluten free IF you use gluten free oats and are vegan friendly IF you use non-dairy chocolate chips!
Ingredients:
2 C old fashioned oats (OR gluten free oats for GF version)
⅓ C slivered almonds
1 tsp cocoa powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
2½ Tbsp coconut oil, separated
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ C maple syrup
½ C creamy peanut butter
¼ C chocolate chips (if making the vegan version, use non-dairy chocolate chips)
Additional Supplies:
A 9”x 9” square pan (or something similar)
Wax or parchment paper
Directions:
In a small bow, microwave 2 tbsp of coconut oil with the brown sugar for 30 seconds until melted.
In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, cocoa powder and cinnamon. Stir in melted coconut oil and brown sugar. Stir until oats are evenly coated.
Add vanilla and maple syrup. Stir.
Stir in peanut butter and mix thoroughly until the oats are evenly coated and there are no large clumps of peanut butter left.
Line your square pan with wax or parchment paper. Make sure you cut out enough paper so that it hangs over the sides of the pan. (You will use the paper as a handle to lift the granola bars out in 1 piece when they are ready to cut.)
Pour the oat mixture into the lined pan and using your hands or a spatula, firmly press down on the oats until they form a flat, even layer. Make sure the oats reach all corners of the pan.
In a small bowl, microwave the chocolate chips with the remaining ½ tbsp of coconut oil for 30 seconds.
Remove from the microwave (the chocolate will not be fully melted at this point), and stir with a fork until the chocolate melts and a smooth chocolate sauce forms.
Using a fork, dip the prongs into the chocolate sauce, hover the fork over the surface of the granola, and move it in a back-and-forth motion, drizzling lines of chocolate over the surface of the granola. Continue this until you reach the desired amount of chocolate drizzle.
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Remove from the refrigerator. Using the edges of the wax paper, lift the entire square of granola out in 1 piece and place on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife, cut 2 inch strips (usually about 5-6 cuts), then turn the granola 90 degrees, and make one cut down the middle. This should give you 12-14 individual granola bars. Serve!
NOTE: Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Servings: Yields 12-14 granola bars
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