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    Home » Recipes

    Grown-up Granola Bars

    August 17, 2017 by Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs 9 Comments

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    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.

    Close-up shot of a stack of Grown-Up Granola Bars

    Here in our kitchen we like to keep a steady supply of our "Grown-up Granola Bars" on hand at all times. I initially began making these for Stephen back when we were dating. I don't want to say it's what sealed the deal for him, but.... Different from store bought bars, we've upgraded our bars to be chock full of nutritious ingredients designed to promote good health and help keep you satisfied longer. Basically, a win-win.

    Side view of baked Grown-Up Granola Bars

    This recipe allows you to mix and match your favorite "add ins" depending on your preference week to week or, let's be honest, based on what you already have on hand. This is a simple recipe that your kiddos will love to make with you!

    Nutrition Notes: Walnuts, walnut oil, and flaxseeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which may help reduce arterial inflammation and promote healthy cholesterol levels. In infants, omega 3s are important in the development of brain and nerve function. These bars also include good sources of iron, vitamin E, B vitamins including folate, and soluble fiber.

     Side view of a pan of granola about to be baked

    Be sure to grab one before they're all gone!

    Overhead shot of an empty baking pan

     

    Side view of a stack of Grown-Up Granola Bars on a plate

    Print Recipe
    5 from 7 votes

    Grown-Up Granola Bars

    Grown-Up Granola Bars are a 'bar' above the rest! Loaded with whole grains, omega 3s, and chewy deliciousness, these bars will be a family favorite!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time25 mins
    Cool10 mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 16 bars
    Calories: 215kcal

    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 until fully incorporated. If mixture looks too dry, add additional oil and honey, 1 tsp. each at a time.
    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 215kcal

    Looking for more healthy, portable snacks? You'll love our Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars and Homemade Turkey Jerky!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Olivia Gross

      August 26, 2022 at 11:16 am

      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! 🙂

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        August 30, 2022 at 12:11 pm

        Hi Olivia, we are so glad to hear these could fit into your training! We hope you love them!

        Reply
    2. Erika

      February 19, 2022 at 9:45 am

      Are there alternative ingredients one could use? Like replace the flaxseeds, honey etc?

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        February 19, 2022 at 4:24 pm

        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!

        Reply
    3. Anamaria

      September 12, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    4. Garey

      February 16, 2021 at 3:25 pm

      5 stars
      I just finished one of these. My wife makes these on the reg.

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        February 17, 2021 at 11:34 am

        Oh wow, that means so much! Thank you!

        Reply
    5. Sophie Campagna

      September 09, 2017 at 4:58 pm

      Just made these today and love them! Couldn't be happier about having a carb count for these too.

      Reply
      • Elise

        September 09, 2017 at 8:47 pm

        Hi Sophie! So glad you love them! 🙂

        Reply

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    We're Stephen and Elise Compston! Husband and wife registered dietitians, recipe revitalizers, and developers of upgraded everyday eats. We create simple, affordable, plant-focused recipes with fun, fresh, and creative spins on classic dishes and tasty new favorites.

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