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Homemade Granola bars- a delicious snack for kids.
Elizabeth

Homemade Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are the perfect mix of healthy and sweet. Children of all ages will enjoy these adaptable granola bars. By adding chocolate chips and sea salt- or raisins and cinnamon- these bars are sure to be a favorite snack choice.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 Tbs Salted Butter
  • 1/4 cup Honey
  • 1 Tbsp Golden Syrup (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar *Packed for a sweeter bar- or just loosely scooped for a less sweet bar.
  • 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
  • 2 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Oats *Oats can be pre-toasted in the oven for 10 minutes on low heat- if a toastier oat is preferable.
Optional Add-ons for Chocolate Chip Granola Bars:
  • 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (any type of chocolate will do, but semi sweet or dark chocolate offsets some of the sweetness.) *If added while the oat mixture is warm, the chocolate chips will melt into the oat mixture (which creates a lovely chocolate flavor). However, placing the chips over the tops of the bars- and lightly pressing- allows for the chips to remain whole and not melted into the oat mix.
  • Sprinkle Sea Salt *The sea salt can be sprinkled over the tops of the bars if using the chocolate chips.
For Cinnamon Rasin Granola Bars:
  • 1/2 cup Raisins
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon *More, or less, can be added to suit individual preference.

Method
 

  1. To a heavy bottomed saucepan (over medium heat) add butter, honey, golden syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir until melted and all ingredients are fully incorporated. (This takes only a minute or so, do not cook until the mixture becomes too thick or sticky. This is more of a syrup- as opposed to a caramel.)
  2. In a separate bowl, add the oats and any chosen "add-on" ingredient. *If making the chocolate chip version of granola bars, remember the chocolate chips will melt if added too soon. If you would like the chocolate chips to remain whole -wait until the bars have been pressed into the parchment paper to harden- and then, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the tops of the bars (giving a slight press).
  3. Carefully pour the sugar and butter mixture over the oats and fully combine.
  4. Press the oat mixture into a casserole dish (lined with parchment paper), and allow the oats to slightly harden and cool. *Bars can also be added to the refrigerator to speed up the chilling process.
  5. Cut into desired bar shapes and enjoy.

Notes

*Other "add-on ideas:" peanut butter, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, Rice Krispy cereal.
*This recipe is adaptable to suit individual preference. However, if adding extra ingredients, do so carefully as it may make the bars harder to hold together.
*Store leftovers in an airtight container or Zip Lock bag in a cool place.