Viking Heart Warrior

Granola Bars … the beginning

granolabar.jpgI’ve always wanted to explore the opportunity of making my own granola bars.  Mainly to keep it as a healthier option for my kids, and for a little afternoon snack if needed.

The challenge with store-bought granola bars is that they contain a lot of extra “flavors” and additives, and some versions are expensive.

I get it!  There’s a huge market for healthy food options and people are willing to spend a little extra if it says “organic”, “vegan” or “heart friendly”.

Here’s my first attempt at making granola bars.  But, let me also be honest that it did not turn out as nice as I had hoped, but it is certainly a nice bar.

Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars

Prep Time: less than 10 mins

Baking Time: 15-20 mins

Nutritional highlights: gluten-free, oatmeal, raisin, snacks

Servings: roughly 10-12 bars, depending on how good you are at the cutting.

 

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 (ish) cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup finely ground almond flour
  • 1 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Line an 8×8 or 10×10 baking pan with parchment paper
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon until it is a smooth paste
  4. Use a rubber spatula to fold in oats and almond flour, pressing the mixture together until combined into a sticky dough.
  5. Add the raisins and gently fold them into the dough
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan while pressing down very firmly and flattening with a spatula until tight and compressed
  7. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the granola bars are golden brown
  8. Remove from oven and allow to cool
  9. Once the bars are set, use the parchment paper to lift bars from the pan.
  10. Slice into even bars.

My bars had excellent flavor and crunch, but they did end up a little fragile and would crumble when you lifted them.

I wish good luck trying this out, and hopefully, your attempt is a little more successful than mine.

Happy and healthy eating my friend!

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