We eat stockpiles of granola bars around this house. If it looks remotely healthy, I pick up a box to keep on hand. But it always kinda gives me the creeps that those bars last forever. Plus, it’s so much cheaper to just make your own.
Now I’m not giving up on store bought granola bars for good. But, it is so easy to whip up a homemade batch of bars. This recipe took us 10 minutes. Plus, it cost us nothing with ingredients on hand. These energy bars make a great breakfast or snack. And if your kids don’t need the energy, then maybe you will:)!
Chewy Energy Bars
2 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a large bowl, combine the cereal, oats, and wheat germ. In a small saucepan, combine the corn syrup, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until peanut butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal and mix well. Transfer to a greased 9 inch square pan. Press mix into pan, cool completely, and cut into bars.
recipe source: Taste of Home Quick Cooking Annual Recipes 2011
*** By the way, this is another favorite recipe of ours – easily adaptable and delicious! ***
January 27, 2012 at 9:15 am
I LOVE homemade granola bars! I use a recipe that is similar to Megan’s. Instead of corn syrup I use honey – Eric likes them with a little more salt since the honey is sweeter. Here is the recipe I use, but I change up what I put in all the time (don’t use coconut) http://workofheartandsoul.wordpress.com/2011/01/14/granola-bars/
Homemade ones are so tasty and fun because you can change them to whatever everyone likes.
January 27, 2012 at 11:42 pm
wow, emily. thanks for the link. i will definitely try that recipe. i love the idea of honey instead – it seems healthier. (not sure if it is, but it sounds better!
thanks so much.