I wanted to link to this recipe recently, and I clicked on over to it only to discover that it was kind of a train wreck. Totally un-printable, with photos intermingled with directions and ingredients.

It was 2009, what can I say? I didn’t know what I was doing! And there was no such thing as a handy-dandy recipe card plugin.

Anyhow, I thought it needed a re-post with a printable version.

Some granola bar recipes employ a method similar to the one used to make Rice Krispie bars, where you make a syrup, pour it over oatmeal and some other ingredients, press the mixture into a pan, and let it cool.

This is not such a recipe…instead, this is more similar to the way you make muffins or cookies. You mix the dry ingredients, mix the wet ingredients, combine them, spread them into a pan, and bake them.

The resulting granola bars are dense and somewhat chewy, kind of like a bar cookie.

They’re very simple to make. You just mix the dry ingredients:

Mix the wet ingredients:

(incidentally, that small whisk is one of my favorite kitchen tools.  So great!)

And then combine them.

Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 pan (you will be sure it won’t spread far enough, but it does! A greased spoon or spatula is helpful.)

Bake ’em for 15 minutes, and you’re done!

If you like your bars a little softer, check them at 12 minutes; they bake surprisingly fast.

A few notes:

• These freeze nicely, so sometimes I bake two batches, one chocolate chip and one cinnamon-raisin, and freeze some of them.

• The original recipe called for 3/4 cup of sugar, which is overkill in my estimation, especially with the 1/2 cup of honey. I’ve used as little as 1/4 cup and have still come away with family pleasing results.

• Whole wheat flour can be substituted for the white flour. I don’t usually do that when I’m making a chocolate chip version, but it works nicely with the raisin type. A 50/50 mix of white and wheat is a good option too.

• If you want to make a chocolate version, leave out the cinnamon, and substitute chocolate chips for the raisins. Mini chips work really well but you can use either.

Homemade Granola Bars

Yield: 18-20 bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

This recipe makes hearty bars that freeze and travel well. Super easy, and less expensive than pre-packaged granola bars.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using raisins)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped English walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Mix oats, salt, raisins/chocolate chips, cinnamon, flour, and walnuts (if using) in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk oil, honey, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
4. Pour wet ingredients into oatmeal mixture and mix thoroughly.
5. Spread granola mixture into prepared pan, using a greased spatula or spoon to spread evenly.
6. Bake 12-15 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack, cut into bars, and store cooled bars in an airtight container.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  WMF Profi Plus Stainless Steel Mini Rounded Whisk, 7-Inch