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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 have made these countless times since I discovered the recipe maybe 5 months ago. I have taken them everywhere from school staff lounge to volleyball games. They are always a hit and they are just delicious and healthy. Thank you so much for the recipe! It is also very forgiving and easily adaptable to whatever diet. I made them as written-delicious. I have also made them gluten free for friends by replacing with whatever I had on hand-ground flax seed. I have added different nuts depending on what I had on hand. I was hungry for peanut flavor so I added a bit to it once. The list goes on. THANK YOU for sharing! My daughter has even converted one of her classmates to eating my bars rather than store bought and she is in 8th! Yay!
Can you make a couple batches and freeze the extra?
Mary-
I haven’t attempted to freeze these but if wrapped properly, I don’t see why this would be an issue. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
-Jamie
These are super yummy and I can’t stop eating them! All the flavours are there. However, mine seem to be a bit dense than those in the photo and feel a bit heavier than normal (packaged) granola bars. Any reasons why this is happening or is anyone else finding this? The only ingredient I omitted was wheat germ because my grocery store didn’t have any and didn’t know what to substitute it with! Let me know if you have any answers!!
I have made these at least 10 times in the last 6 months. If I had more time I would make them more often. I am really busy so I usually forget what ingredients I am missing…story of my life. This recipe is really adaptable for whatever you have on hand. I wanted to make this without the flour so I used ground flax seed for that and the wheat germ. Yummy! I have also added sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. It’s a nice change. But I have made them several times as written and they are awesome. Thank you for sharing! I share them with other teachers when I am teaching! They all love them!
I love these! I make them before long road trips as a healthier snack than what you can get at the gas stations. For those wondering, I do substitute ground flax seed for the wheat germ and they come out perfectly. Whipping up a batch today for our long holiday trek to see family. Thanks for sharing!
Jamie,
Can I omit the wheat germ? I have everything to make these except that. I do have flax seed though, would that be a good substitute?
Dee-
I haven’t tried this recipe with flax seed. If you do try it, stop back and let us know how they were!
-Jamie
Have you ever substituted almond or quinoa or anyother flour for these? Thanks
Jackie-
No, I have not. If you try it, stop back and let us know how it goes – have a great day!
-Jamie
These are soooo good!! These will be a staple! :)
Bethany-
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe – thanks so much for leaving your feedback! Have a great day!
-Jamie
looks great, I am going to do this but instead of making bars, I think before cooking I will lay them out on the pan in small bite size bits. I am sure baking time will decrease. Here is wishing me luck they do not spread out like cookies.
I want to make these for my son for his school lunches. The only problem I see is that there is no way we can eat 24 bars in three days. Can these be frozen? If so, if I take one out in the morning, will it defrost on its own in time for lunch? Or should I toss it in the microwave for a bit?
Shayna-
I haven’t tried freezing the bars, but I think the recipe could easily be cut in half. If you try the freezing route – which I think could totally work – definitely let me know. Have a great day!
-Jamie