Here is a simple recipe that we love. I really like the versatility with homemade granola bars. You can add in anything you want to make it just perfect. I made this batch this morning and it made a great mid afternoon snack.
5 cups quick oats
1 cup coconut
1 cup almonds, chopped (I like them chopped small)
1 cup dry milk
1 cup honey
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp. salt
1-2 tsp. vanilla extract
Then decide what you want in your granola bar. Some good things to add are:
mini m&m’s, raisins, chocolate chips, craisins, small apple chips, sunflower seeds, etc. Add as much as you want to the recipe.
Mix all ingredients together well. I like to use my hands to get it all mixed up really well. Then press into a large cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes for chewy bars, 45 minutes for crunchy bars. Cut into bar shape while still warm and let cool in the cookie sheet for a few hours. When they are cool, cut and store them in an airtight container. Makes approximately 44 granola bars.
Amanda
I absolutely LOVE this idea but I have a child that is allergic to milk. Is there any substitute that I could use in place of the 1C dry milk? Any one have any idas? Thanks!
Ashlee
How long do they stay fresh?
Amy Monson
Are these crispy or chewy after you bake them? They look great!
Marne
Amanda…I am not sure on that one. I would google it and see. Sorry I don't have an answer!
Ashlee…I have read online about people freezing them. I haven't done that since we eat them fairly quickly. They are already halfway gone. 🙂 I know someone else who crumbles up the leftovers and uses it like regular granola too.
Marne
Amy: Cook for 30 minutes for chewy, 45 min for crunchy. Enjoy!
Ashlie
Fantastic! Thanks. I love to make my own granola and do it quite regularly. I haven't ventured out to the granola bar though…I like the looks of this recipe. I think I'll have to give it a try.
By the way. I know it's been like this forever, but I totally LOVE the new and improved Pinching Your Pennies website/blog before forum page, etc. Love love love it.
Amy
I made these last night. I baked them for 30 min because I wanted them chewy. They are very crumbly and don't hold their shape. What did I do wrong? Did they need to cook longer? Or is there a certain way to mix it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Jared Ondricek
I did the same thing as Amy – they taste wonderful but fall apart waaay to easily. We want to make these for lunches, so keeping them together would be wonderful. Thanks!
Julie
To Amanda: I found soy milk powder at the health food store.