I used to stock my kid’s lunch drawer with pre-packaged snacks like granola bars but since striving for a healthier lifestyle I am now making homemade versions each week. Sure, this is more work, but I know exactly what is in them and recipes such as this one are super quick and simple. And they are delicious to boot! My hubby and I pack them in our lunches too.
I chose to make a chocolate chip version today but you can use the same base recipe and make various flavours just by switching up what you sprinkle on top or into the bars. It’s best if using chocolate to just sprinkle on top as they will melt into the mixture if stirred in. This would not be a problem if using dried fruit or nuts though. My kid thinks the world revolves around chocolate so just adding a small amount to these healthy recipes makes her instantly enjoy them. Win-win!
Start by adding the butter, coconut oil, honey, maple syrup, and brown sugar.to a heavy bottomed saucepan. (You could use all honey or all maple syrup as well as all butter or coconut oil but I prefer this combo). Whisk ingredients together until combined. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Continue cooking for 2 minutes. Remove mixture from heat and add vanilla. Be careful as the vanilla will cause the hot mixture to spatter.
While the sugar mixture is cooking, in a separte bowl combine: oats, cereal, and flax seeds When sugar mixture is ready, pour over the dry ingredients and mix until well coated.
Pour into a 9x9 silicone pan (or parchment lined pan) and press down firmly so the mixture is well compacted in the dish.
Sprinkle chocolate chips (or other desired flavours such as dried fruit or nuts) over the top and then press down to adhere chips to the granola.
Allow to cool on the counter for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. I cut mine into 12 bars but you can make them as big or as small as you’d like.
Now that you have a simple healthy snack alternative you can feel less guilty when you pack that lunch box (yours and your kiddo’s)! Enjoy!
Healthy Homemade Chewy Granola Bars
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup crispy rice cereal
1 Tbsp flax seeds
mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for sprinkling on top