How to Make Homemade Healthy Granola Bars

As a mom of 5 children I am constantly looking for healthy snacks that my children will actually eat. I have some very picky eaters in my household. They do however love granola bars. So I found this recipe to be perfect for them, healthy yet really yummy too!

Things You'll Need

• 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 1/2 TBSP. of flaxseed
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 4 oz. of applesauce
• 3/4 cup of shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar
• 2 oz. of chopped pecans
• 2 oz. of slivered almonds
• You can also add chunks of dark chocolate or raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   First you need to preheat your oven to 325. Then lightly grease a 9x13 pan. I use Mazola Pure Cooking spray and spray a little on the pan and take a paper towel to spread it around.

2. 

   In a large mixing bowl you will need to combine oats, flour, vanilla, baking soda, applesauce,honey, flaxseed, and brown sugar. When you are done mixing that stir in nuts and shredded coconut. You have the option of adding your own things to the mix such as raisins or chocolate chips.

3. 

   Lightly press mixture in 9x13 pan and bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Let them cool for 15 minutes and then cut into bars. Make sure you let them cool completely before serving. This recipe makes 24 bars.

Tips & Warnings

• Makes 24 servings, calories 112, total fat 5.5 grams, cholesterol 0, sodium 57.7 mgs, total carbs 14.6 grams, fiber 2.5 grams, protein 2.7 grams.

• I honestly don't know how long these keep for because they only last 2 days in my house.

• I use 2 tsp. of vanilla instead of 1 because I always double the vanilla in recipes, it always tastes better to me.

• for 24 servings in 9x13 these come out small and skinny, I like to make mine a little wider so when I make these they come out to be 12 instead of 24.

• Do not overcook these or they will come out really dry.