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Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means – bathing suit and shorts season. I’m betting we’re all suddenly a little more conscious of what we toss into our mouths. It’s no secret that My Baking Addiction is full of sugary goodness, but I do try to maintain healthy eating habits. Although I could certainly stand to lose some unwanted pounds, I try to eat in moderation.
I typically eat a healthy breakfast, followed by a reasonable lunch, but my downfall is about 3:30. It’s when I’ve finished the work day and am settling in to my evening routine of blogging, laundry and preparing dinner. It’s the time of the day when not only do I get a little crabby, but I also get a seemingly insatiable craving for ridiculously sweet items like soda, Nerds and Fruit Roll-Ups. Don’t judge me, I have a full on addiction to Fruit Roll-Ups, they’re my vice. I love them.
If you have read My Baking Addiction for any length of time, you may be aware that I am not all that into chocolate. It’s not that I don’t enjoy it, it’s simply not my favorite. I’m more of a fruity type of girl that has an affinity for all things sour and chewy.
Recently, I started hearing good things about dark chocolate on talk shows. Ya know, one of those days when the TV was “on”, but I wasn’t really watching. It piqued my interest, so I started doing more research. Did you know that studies indicate that dark chocolate can do some pretty awesome things like improve your mood, stimulate endorphin production and it’s a great source for antioxidants. I can certainly use an improvement in my mood from time to time!
With all of the benefits, it certainly doesn’t hurt to work a little dark chocolate into your diet or your baked goods. These homemade granola bars are full of delicious flavor and have some pretty healthy ingredients like wheat germ, cherries, almonds and of course, dark chocolate. They couldn’t be easier – everything is made in one bowl…bonus! And they are the perfect 3:00 pm pick me up or little surprise snack in the kiddos’ lunch.
Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried sour cherries, chopped
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup slivered almonds
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla.
3. Mix well using your hands, add in cherries, chocolate chips and almonds. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden around the edges. Cool on wire rack for about 30 minutes before cutting. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting because they will crumble.
Notes:
- Store granola bars is airtight container for up to three days.
- Recipe adapted from allrecipes.
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I had no idea granola bars could be so easy. No more store bought for me. Thanks for the recipe.
All of your photos are amazing. I have wanted to make granola bars for kid snacks but did not have a recipe. I think they will love the dark chocolate cherry. Thx!
We LOVE dark chocolate cherry granola bars — they are made at least once a month :) These bars look tasty, although we’d have to leave out the almonds.
Mmm I LOVE granola bars, I have them pretty much everyday. The only thing is though, is that they are packaged and I’ve been craving homemade granola bars for the longest time. Bonus on the chocolate. Dark chocolate has always been my favorite.
I’ve been craving oatmeal like crazy today and your bars have not helped the situation! Gosh, they look so chewy and delicious!
“Did you know that studies indicate that dark chocolate can do some pretty awesome things like improve your mood, stimulate endorphin production and it’s a great source for antioxidants.” – YES I know, isn’t that great!! Now I can say I’m eating my daily dose of chocolate for health reasons ;-)
Love that this doesn’t contain butter!
I’m with you–I’d take chewy sour cherries over chocolate any day :)
…Everything about this recipe sounds fantastic! I will be making these soon! :o)
…Thank you for sharing!
…Blessings…
I appreciate your recipe but is there a way to add more fiber and protein to the recipe. I find that most recipes for granola bars have (usually) too much sugar and fat and not enough fiber and protein. I did an analysis of this recipe and it contains 170 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1.6 grams of fiber and 3.3 grams of protein. While these might constitute a somewhat healthy snack, I would want more oomph of nutritional benefits for my snacking, let alone a breakfast treat. Thanks!
Karen–
The beauty of this recipe is that it is easily adaptable to meet your flavor and/or nutritional needs. I was not focusing on the protein content, but I am sure there are ways to up the protein. Clearly judging from my blog you can tell this is by no means a “diet” site, I was simply offering up a new recipe that is a little better for you than the typical cupcakes or brownies that are found on MBA. Thanks for stopping by.
–Jamie
I cut the brown sugar to half a cup, substituted ground flax for the wheat germ, and substituted quinoa flour for the regular flour. The results aren’t quite as tasty as the original, but they do the job of upping the protein (and also make them gluten-free). Even without these substitutions, they are a delicious and nutritionally preferable alternative to the store-bought variety.
Dawn-
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe – your adaptations sound absolutely perfect. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback! Have a great day.
-Jamie
These look perfectly awesome! A plus is that I have all the ingredients in my pantry/fridge at the moment…homemade granola bars, here I come. :)