Grown-Up Granola Bars are a 'bar' above the rest! They are nutrient rich, delicious, and make a portable, on-the-go snack for kids of all ages.
The recipe that started it all!
Grown-Up Granola Bars will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was one of the first recipes Stephen and I coined as "ours" and was the first recipe ever published on our blog. Today, the recipe remains a favorite among our children, friends, and our wonderful online community. These bars are nutritious, easy to throw together, and perhaps best of all, completely customizable. These bars make a perfect snack or upgraded treat you can enjoy anytime. We can't wait for you to try them!
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THESE BARS
Upgraded Snacking
Compared to store bought, these bars pack in greater nutritional value and less added sugar than the leading name brands. Filled with whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins and minerals, these bars pack a powerful punch!
Completely Customizable
These bars can be made with any variety of chocolate, fruit, nuts, and seeds and can be adapted to fit a variety of eating patterns. For a gluten free adaptation, read the recipe notes below!
Portable Pick-Me-Up
These bars can go wherever you go! We like to individually wrap them and store them in the fridge until we're ready for our next adventure!
HOW TO MAKE THESE BARS
Step 1
To a large bowl, add all your dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
Step 2
Next, add in your wet ingredients and "add-ins" and fold together until fully mixed.
Step 3
Pour mixture into a baking pan and bake until lightly golden and "set". Let cool fully before slicing into bars.
Grown-Up Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ⅓ cup whole wheat flour can sub with GF
- ⅓ cup ground flaxseeds
- ⅓ cup wheat germ*
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup loose brown sugar optional
- ½ cup walnut, avocado, or other mild tasting oil
- ½ cup honey
- 1 egg
Add-Ins (You pick up to 1 cup TOTAL) - Favorite Combos Include:
- walnuts and chocolate chips
- cashews and dried apricot pieces
- dried cherries and pistachios
- unsweetened coconut flakes and dried cranberries
- pecans and dried blueberries
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients, including add-ins. Mix until well combined.
- Next, add in your oil, honey, vanilla, and egg and gently fold together until fully incorporated.
- Pour mixture into an oiled 8x8 baking pan. Using a spoon (or your hands), firmly press the mixture down evenly into the pan.
- Bake in a 350° oven for 25-28 minutes. Edges should be turning slightly golden. Place pan on a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes prior to slicing.
- Slice into 16 - 2"x2" bars. Store in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more healthy, portable snacks? You'll love our Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars and Homemade Turkey Jerky!
I usually eat granola bars from the store on the mornings for a quick on the go breakfast. I am glad to find a recipe I can make pre-made that is much healthier and tastes better. I made these over the weekend for this upcoming week. These are super soft and chewy. They have more flavor as well. I did not add any fruit or extras but it was still very good.
When I am home, my family and I do a lot of cooking and baking. I am excited to use this recipe at home after my dad and I do our Saturday morning circuit training. We are always looking for something new, healthy, and plentiful after we have had a good workout to start our day. The make time seems so fast and it also is a recipe than I am looking forward to making this weekend here at school! I eat granola bars like no other and am eager to make some of my own! So excited to try and I can't wait! 🙂
Hi Olivia, we are so glad to hear these could fit into your training! We hope you love them!
Are there alternative ingredients one could use? Like replace the flaxseeds, honey etc?
Hi Erika, yes! For honey you could replace any preferred liquid sweetener (maple, agave, etc.) with great results. The flax can also be replaced or simply omitted altogether if desired. When we've been out of flax in the past we've increased the wheat germ by a few tbsp. We hope you enjoy!
I never made this type of bars, so I was not sure what to expect. They turned out so yummy. Slightly crunchy outside, soft inside. Super flavorful! I used almond flour instead of whole wheat flour, added more ground flaxseeds since I did not have wheat germ, added chocolate chips + fresh lemon zest + few chopped prunes, used maple syrup instead of honey and just a touch of brown sugar. Perfection! Thank you!
I just finished one of these. My wife makes these on the reg.
Oh wow, that means so much! Thank you!
Just made these today and love them! Couldn't be happier about having a carb count for these too.
Hi Sophie! So glad you love them! 🙂