How to Make Nutritious Granola Bars

Granola bars are a versile snack that can be eaten any time of the day. Unfortunately, a pack of six can run upwards of $3.00 now! Plus, they are usually loaded with sugar and corn syrup. What once was a nutritious snack has turned into another bad eating habit.

Thankfully, it's not hard to make your own nutritious granola bars. It's also very cost effective!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 1/2 c. rolled or steel cut oats (not quick oats)
• 1/2 c. whole-wheat flour
• 1/4 c. flax seed meal (optional)
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 c. dried mixed berries, coarsly chopped
• 1/3 c. chopped walnuts
• 1/4 c. mini semi-sweet morsels
• 1/2 c. Natural peanut butter
• 1/2 c. water
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• Greased 9 x 13" pan

1. In a large bowl mix together everything but vanilla, eggs, water, and peanut butter.

2. Add beaten egg whites, vanilla, and peanut butter. Mix well.

3. Add water a little at a time until mix is just moist. Be careful not to make the mixture too moist as it will not bake correctly.

4. Wet your hands and press the mixture into the greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Let cool and cut into 16 bars.

5. Store granola bars in zip-lock bags or wrap in foil. Will last about two weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Try different combinations of fruits and nuts.

Resources

• Need extra cash this month?

[learnerofstuff]

on 11/3/2009 On my second attempt at Nutritious Granola Bars, I got advice from someone else that using small eggs versus large eggs made a difference in it holding together. On October 26, 2009 I made a second attempt. I used two large eggs, plus one small one because I was unable to get all of the egg white separated in one of the large eggs. I had more success as they came more solid; however, some still crumbled. As a side note, even though I had no vanilla, or vanilla flavoring to use this time they tasted like granola bars.

How did the process work for you all?

[learnerofstuff]

on 9/13/2009 I made Nutritious Granola Bars today. I need to work with it to make it hold together better. I am thinking of putting in whole eggs instead of the egg whites. It breaks too easily. It made granola fragments not granola bars. The eggs I had were not large. Does that make a difference in it holding together? I also put in 1/2 of the 1/2 cup of water because I thought it was moist enough. If you have any advice for me on this recipe please let me know.

[lauradn20]

on 9/6/2009 I love this recipe- it is so simple! I will try it as soon as I have the ingredients. *****5 stars!

[mfahrney]

on 3/10/2009 Sound easy and yummy...thanks!

[Quickstar]

on 12/21/2008 So easy and yummy thanks!