Chewy Granola Bars

I'm never buying store bought granola bars again!

 

You think I'm joking?

 

These were awesome. I loved how I was able to tailor what ingredients I put in them to fit what I prefer. I'm a big chocolate chip lover and am obsessed with coconut, so I threw those in. Next time I might add peanut butter chips. Then maybe the next time I'll do some dried cherries, sunflower seeds and chopped walnuts. The possibilities are endless!

 

They were so easy and made 18 bars. I had most of the ingredients on hand already (minus the wheat germ and oats...who has wheat germ readily available anyways?), so now the next time I want to make a batch I won't have to get anything at all. So essentially I'll be making them for free. Who doesn't love free things? Tell the grocery store to keep their silly granola bars!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.


Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the wet ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix well (it’s easiest to just use your hands). Pat the mixture out into the foil-lined pan.


Bake for about 15-20 minutes if you want chewy granola bars or for 20-25 minutes for crunchy granola bars. When the edges start to brown, remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Use a pizza roller to slice into bars. Finish cooling completely before removing from the pan or they will break apart.

Source: Adapted from Tasty Kitchen