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:
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2 cups rolled oats
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3/4 cup packed brown sugar
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3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 cup whole wheat flour
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1/4 cup white chocolate chips (Optional: any Dried Fruit, Raisins, Craisins, Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Coconut Flakes, have fun with this!)
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3/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup honey
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1 egg, beaten
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1/2 cup coconut oil (Melted! I microwave about 30 seconds until liquid, this makes it MUCH easier to work with!)
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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!
Ooh, I haven't tried coconut oil! Sounds delish!We started making our own granola bars when we went gluten-free, and I'm never going back! The kids love them.
HI Michelle,
Could you share your gluten-free recipe? We could use a good one here!
Thank you,
Lynn
sounds tasty. I'll have to try them!
I know several people who make these and love them. I need to try it one of these days. Snacks are expensive.
They look easier than I thought. woo hoo. FUN & YUMMY!
I haven't ever uses coconut oil, can someone tell me if they make the granola bars taste like coconut? My husband is not a fan of coconut. Thanks for your blog! I will be starting my first year of homeschooling and am getting a ton of great ideas from here!
If you buy the “refined” coconut oil, it does not add a coconut flavor. If you buy the “unrefined” coconut oil, it does taste like coconut.
Coconut oil is amazing in the bath tub (if you like baths). I add a couple of tablespoons to the running hot water and rub it all over. pat yourself dry when you get out and rub the excess off. I couldn't keep my hands off of myself…haha. thanks for the recipe, i've been looking for a good granola bar recipe that doesn't fall apart.
Ok….now this sounds wonderful! You’ve got me wanting to run out and buy some right now!!!!
The McDowells: Yes, it does add a SLIGHT coconut flavor, it's not lot though so you could try it and see. If nothing else you'll love it and eat the entire pan yourself, not that I've done that, I'm just sayin'…
Yum, I was just thinking it was time to make something good to eat. Coconut oil is good in pancakes too, if you make yours from scratch. Same thing though, be sure to melt it or you'll just have chunks of it floating around the batter. It keeps the pancakes from sticking to the pan, and tastes yummy (though not over the top coconutty)
I'm so excited that you posted this recipe. I was just looking for a good one. I need more snack ideas and this is perfect. thanks 🙂
I've been making these for my family as well and we all LOVE them!I've also been using Coconut Oil on my face/body for about 6 months now after reading about how good it is for your skin. So, it has become my moisturizer. 🙂 It has also proven to be GREAT with our girls' eczema.I don't think I've ever commented before; however, since I am now I want to take the opportunity to say THANK YOU for all of your hard work and your generous heart!! I will begin homeschooling our 3 girls (5 yrs. old and twin 4 yr. olds) next year and I LOVE your ideas!! Anyway, THANK YOU! 🙂