I was going to post something non-baking related this week, but then Bobbi Jo asked for healthy granola bar recipes. For the record, Bobbi Jo’s son Trey, now in second grade, has got to be one of the most charming, naturally charismatic little fellows I’ve ever met. He has this endearing, sweet and easygoing sense of humor that is just magic. I’m sure Bobbi Jo hardly expected her no-pressure, casually inquiring e-mail to send me leaping past piles of laundry to toss oats and other pantry staples in a mixing bowl, but that kind of question is too much temptation. And, even though I’ve got a bunch of recipes for bars that are like granola bars, I didn’t have a go-to, no fail granola bar recipe like this one, till now.
The best thing about this recipe is, it’s so very tweakable to taste. As is, I think it’s a perfect adult granola bar breakfast on-the-go. I can already tell I’ll regularly be bringing them to work on days I swim early, and need everything ready to go the night before, without a chance for a quick change at home. They may be on the plain side for little palates, but that’s so easy to change. They contain no butter or oil, eggs, or dairy; they do have oats, whole wheat flour, flax meal (or something else like wheat germ or oat bran), applesauce, natural peanut butter, honey and a little brown sugar, but not much in the way of the sweet stuff. Dense with good ingredients, and a nice base for developing different flavor combinations. Add nuts, seeds, fruits, chocolate chips, and you have a whole new bar.
One of the other “best things” about this easy recipe is how kid-friendly and fun it is to make. Trust me, you don’t have to have kids to enjoy throwing everything in the bowl, then pressing the mixture in your pan. It’s sort of reminiscent of making play-dough. And play-dough, as you know, is one of the least time consuming, most inexpensive and immediately gratifying forms of therapy out there. We can all use a little therapy, I think… don’t you? : )
Wholesome granola bars
Makes 16-18 good-sized bars
Cooking Light Recipe
Clean Eating Recipe
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I have always wanted to make my own granola bars but have never actually taken the time to do it. I’m going to print this out and make it a point to whip these up!
Great! Let me know how it goes, and what you add/change! : )
Hello Wendy,
This looks delicious and healthy. I know that oats is very good for one’s health and have it almost every day. It is good to see this recipe. I am a new Follower of your Blog. Take care and my best wishes to you.
Judy
Thanks, Judy!
Looks Excellent…I will be making a batch of these for sure some time this week. I have been looking for this type of recipe for some time now. Thanks so much!
Yay–hope it’s useful for you, too! Thanks for the comment! : )
Yes, I will definitely give this a try! Thanks for posting
Any chance you can give nutritional numbers on this recipe?
You bet, Lisa! As soon as I get through this week’s conferences. ; )
Numbers are up, Lisa! Thanks for being interested! ; )
Hi Wendy–We made these yesterday and they were awesome! We brought them to share at a cub scout event and the others liked them too. We used fresh ground whole wheat flour, ground flax seed from the store, fresh local honey, and homemade applesauce. Perfect fall treat!
Thank you, Valerie! That really makes me so happy! : )