I’ve been trying to save money on groceries, and my husband pointed out that we spend a lot on ‘snacks’ for the kids. I decided to try and make some snacks instead of paying high prices for pre-packaged ones, and in the process I found this WONDERFUL granola bar recipe at Raising Olives. I adjusted it to fit our likings, and it turned out great!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (Optional: any Dried Fruit, Raisins, Craisins, Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Coconut Flakes, have fun with this!)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (Melted! I microwave about 30 seconds until liquid, this makes it MUCH easier to work with!)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
STEP 2: Mix together dry ingredients, then make a well in the center and add the honey, beaten egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well. Pat the mixture evenly into the baking dish.
STEP 3: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are beginning to turn golden. (I did 30 because we like them softer.) Cool for 5 minutes and then cut into bars and remove from dish WHILE STILL WARM. Otherwise, you’ll have to chip it out with a chisel. But then I suppose you could use crumbled pieces for ice cream topping. So, if that’s your goal, go ahead and let it cool as long as you wish. ;o)
STEP 3: Eat one before calling in the crew, well, unless you don’t want any that is. Then make another batch.
Some substitutions: You can substitute olive or peanut oil, but I HIGHLY recommend the coconut, it provides great flavor! It’s found in the oil section of the baking isle.
Notes: I’ve never worked with coconut oil before, so I was surprised to see it. Just so you’re not surprised, this is what it looks like:
Yep, its a solid much like lard, only healthy :0) It’s important to melt this or it will be VERY hard to mix into your granola bars.
This recipe turned out so well, I’d suggest making a double batch! I keep the bars in a sealed Tupperware container which helps keep them softer.
Hope you enjoy them!
These look yummy! I just started reading your blog and saw this recipe on your August calendar/menu. We love granola bars but prefer chewy – I’m guessing these are crunchy? Any ideas on making chewy granola bars?
Karolena,
Actually they’re chewy! Just don’t overcook and you’ll be fine. Also store them in an airtight Tupperware container or Ziploc bag to help keep them soft.
Erica
Hi Erica,
Would canola oil or butter be an acceptable substitute for the coconut oil?
Yes, I suppose you could substitute it, but the coconut oil does provide a nice flavor. Not so much like coconut, but sweet maybe?
We just trie these and they are a HUGE hit with all the kids!! I used butterscoth chips and it gave them a little caramel flavor. It was a great snack on our first cool day of the season. Thanks Erica!!
My mom taught me a trick and I’m sure it will work here to add a slice of bread to your tupperware. It keeps the food softer. it works well with a bag of brown sugar, and homemade cookies. just toss it in there it will become stale in a matter of a day but it will help? moms know everything.
I’m dying to try these and I’ve already gone out and bought the coconut oil. But I’m confused about whether or not they harden once they’re cool. I noticed you said something about I chisel? Is that just if you let it cool in the pan or do the cut up granola bars harden like that too? Thanks in advance!