Homemade Granola Bars

During September, I've been trying some new recipes for healthier food. I came across this recipe for homemade granola bars.

The site listed the ingredients in store-purchased granola bars versus homemade ones. The difference was clear: the store-bought ones were loaded with 41 ingredients...some of which I have absolutely no idea what they are or how they affect a person's body.

The homemade granola bar recipe has 7 ingredients - all of which are ones that are commonly found in the kitchen.

Homemade granola bar that I made.

The granola bars are soft and delicious. I would much rather eat the homemade version than the store-bought version and day.

Here's how to make them:

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup flour
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup honey
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda

Plus add-in goodies if desired: mini chocolate chips, raisins, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, other nuts…up to 2 cups total. (I used coconut flakes and raisins.)

Lightly butter a 9 x 13 pan and preheat the oven to 325 F.

Combine the butter and honey in a large bowl and mix well. Add all ingredients except the add-ins and mix until combined. Stir in the add-ins by hand.

Press the mixture into the pan. It’s a little sticky, so it helps to put a few drops of water on your hands and press the mixture in firmly.

Bake at 325 F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. They won’t look quite done, but will firm up while they cool. After they cool for about 10 minutes, you can cut them into bars.

Store at room temperature in an easily accessible container.

Note: The recipe can be customized as well. For example, replace 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup peanut butter, or add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.