FFF- Homemade Granola Bars

My boys all love granola bars (Steve included).  So we go through quite a few of them.  One day I realized you could buy ones with 25% less sugar which made me think, how much sugar is in these things?  Are they really all that great for them.  Then I found this recipe for homemade ones that use applesauce and honey and whole wheat flour and thought, those probably are a little better for them.  And they turned out great and are super easy to make.  Plus, this way, you can add whatever you want for them.  For the boys I add mini chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.  For me I add yogurt covered Craisens for a nice healthy snack.  You could also add raisins, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, whatever floats your boat :).  And then I just wrap them individually and they're all ready for a snack.  So if you're looking for a nice healthy snack for you or your kids, try this one out!

Ingredients:  Quick Oats, Whole Wheat Flour, Baking Soda, Vanilla, Applesauce, Honey, Brown Sugar, Mini Chocolate Chips & Peanut Butter Chips

To a bowl add 2 1/4 cups oats...

1/2 cup whole wheat flour...

1/2 tsp baking soda...

1/2 tsp vanilla...

5 TBS (just over 1/4 a cup) applesauce...

1/4 cup brown sugar...

and 1/4 cup honey

Mix together until all combined

Then add whatever you like.  I added some peanut butter chips...

and mini chocolate chips

Stir it together and then press into a greased 8x8 square pan

Bake at 325 degrees for 18 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool. Cut into 12 bars

I individually wrap them in squares of plastic wrap

 

and this is how I wrap them :).  Makes it easy to get them out

 

Then I put all the wrapped bars into a big ziplock bag and store them in the pantry.  They last for at least a week, although ours never make it that long :)

 

 Because these boys LOVE them!

 

They also work great as a take-along-snack

Or an eat outside on the picnic able snack :)

 

Granola Bars

2 1/4 cups quick oats

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp vanilla

5 TBS applesauce

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup sugar

additions (chocolate & peanut butter chips, yogurt covered Craisens, raisins, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, etc.)

 

Combine all the ingredients.  Mix well.  Press into a greased 8x8 pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 18 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool. Cut into 12 bars.  Can be individually wrapped.  Store in a sealed container or bag.