Healthy Homemade Chewy Granola Bars
Don’t let the large number of ingredients scare you. I buy ingredients in bulk, put all the little bags into a large resealable bag and throw it in my freezer. This makes it easy to get started and the ingredients remain fresh.These granola bars are nutrient dense so smaller portions are all that is needed.
Equipment
- 1 9" x 13" Baking Dish
- Parchment Paper or grease pan with non-hydrogenated margarine
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup peanut butter or soy butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamed* honey *this honey is firm and prevents bars from crumbling
- 1/4 cup soft margarine
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup coconut
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup wheat germ
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup ground flax
- 1/4 cup powdered milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a 9 x 13″ baking dish with parchment paper or grease with non-hydrogenated margarine.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer), combine the first five ingredients well. Add the remaining ingredients, mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Using a pancake flipper, press into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes until edges are a light golden brown. Remove from oven and press again with a pancake flipper.
- Cool before cutting into 8 rows and 5 columns. Store, covered at room temperature for several days or freeze for your next road trip.
Notes
You can double up any of the following ingredients to substitute for ones you do not have on hand: coconut, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, sesame seeds, or ground flax.