Easy Yummy Homemade Granola Bars
I love granola bars as a quick pick-me-up or easy snack for outdoor adventures...but I don't like all the additives that seem to find their way into them. So I set out on a mission to make a homemade bar without all the ick and ALL the yummy flavor :-)
For those with allergies to consider...this can easily be a gluten free option (just make sure your ingredients are certified gluten free), and it's naturally dairy and egg free...hope you like them!
Easy Yummy Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients (always opt for organic, natural ingredients when available :-)
3/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries (Those infused with fruit juices, like blueberry, add a little more flavor)
2 pitted prunes
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cacao)
1/4 cup raw honey (could substitute agave or maple syrup)
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (can substitute almond butter)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted almonds (chopped)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1. Line a 9x13 cookie sheet or baking dish with plastic wrap or parchment paper, leaving a little extra around the sides for easy removal of the bars later. Set this to the side.
2. Spread oats and almonds in a single layer on a cookie sheet and lightly toast them in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until they are slightly golden. (this step is optional)
3. Add raisins, dried cranberries, and prunes to a food processor and process until it forms a sticky, doughy consistency (approx. 1 minute). Then transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl.
4. Without cleaning the processor simply add the chocolate chips and process them slightly. Scrape the processor to remove any remaining contents into the mixing bowl.
5. At this time you have a choice of lightly chopping the almonds or they can also can be processed in the food processor depending upon your preference. I like to place them in a ziplock bag and crush them so there are varying sizes but processing them might make it easier on your digestive system...so do what works for you :-)
6. Add cooled oats and crushed almonds to the mixing bowl.
7. Warm honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until a syrup like consistency is achieved. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon just before removing from heat.
8. Pour warmed honey and peanut butter into mixing bowl and thoroughly mix all ingredients.
9. Transfer contents of mixing bowl onto the pre-lined cookie sheet or baking dish and press down firmly until contents are uniformly flattened. Using a rolling pin or sturdy glass to roll this out helps to tightly bind it together...this helps the bars hold together well.
10. Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes. This allows them to firm up.
11. Remove bars from the pan by lifting edges of bottom parchment paper or plastic wrap and chop into preferred size bars.
12. Store in an airtight container and Enjoy!
These will keep well for at least a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator but could also be stored in the freezer for longer storage.
