Are you spending an average of $4 a box for granola bars? If you’re like me and you have more than two kiddos; it adds up watching them inhale bar after bar. That’s why I appreciate these homemade granola bars even more. They’re thicker and more filling than the store-bought version. They’re healthier and cost a ton less than store-bought.
I’ve discovered this recipe that uses one half cup less honey than the original recipe I’ve been making so they’re a little less sweet. If you’re looking to further lower your sugar intake, try agave syrup in place of the honey. I’ve been buying mine at Sams for a great price for five pounds.
Also feel free to use a variety of chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit or whatever your family prefers. I’ve been reducing my chocolate chips to about 1/3 cup because I serve mine for breakfast to my toddler. It’s a low-sugar alternative to commercial cereal. I give her a cup of milk to drink and she’s has a healthy “granola” breakfast.
CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BARS
- 1-1/2 sticks butter, softened at room temperature or micro at 50% power for 15 sec.
- 1/2 cup honey {spray measuring cup and then add honey; it will slide right out}
- 1/3 cup (packed) brown sugar {optional, I’ve been making w/o}
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour (gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats {gluten-free}
- 1/2 semi-sweet chocolate chips or mini chips {gluten-free}
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Cream together the butter, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract with a stand or hand held mixer.
- Add flour, baking soda, and oats. Stir until well-mixed and looks crumbly. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Spray a 9×13 dish and the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Pour the mixture in the baking dish and press firmly with the cup.
- Bake at 325 degrees for about 20 minutes or until edges are just starting to brown.
- Remove from oven and place dish on wire rack to cool.
- Cool for 10 minutes and then cut into 18 bars using a pizza cutter or thin sharp knife.
- Store in a sealed container/bag and freeze for later use. Feel free to freeze individual bars for quick snacks on the go.
What’s your “on the go” breakfast bar?
made these this morning and they were hit with the kids…..Thanks for the recipe
Hooray, Cindy, we keep these in the freezer all the time and they are great to take on trips.
Wow … these look great! I’m a little concerned by the amount of butter, though … these would contain over 20 grams of fat each! Does it work by cutting down the butter, or is there something to replace some of it with? I don’t think I would want to use more than half of what is called for …
Really? For 18 servings? I haven’t calculated. I’m sure coconut oil or canola oil would work too.
So that’s 12 Tbsp of butter = 144 grams of fat. 144 divided by 18 servings is 8 grams per bar.
Sarah, I guess that’s equivalent fat to a candy bar, which I’d rather serve my kids a bar with real oats and healthy sugar like honey or agave. Thanks for caluculating for us all!
Could i substitute some of the honey for maple syrup?
Sure, it may turn out a little crumbly, try baking longer to hold together.
I’m curious if you have tried any dried fruit or nuts instead of the chocolate chips?
Yes, they are delcious, too! I like cranberries and sunflower seeds or almonds.
I baked these tonight so we could have a quick snack on hand – and they turned out great! Three out of the four of us really liked these – my other son is super picky:( I will definitely make these again as they were quick, easy and healthy. Thank you so much for all you do. I have tried several of your recipes and loved them all!