HEALTHY GRANOLA BARS | chewy chocolate chip granola bars + gluten-free!

honey

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener and has a similar texture.

peanut butter

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Sunflower seed butter is nut-free and often less expensive.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate chips

💰Cheaper: chocolate chunks

Chocolate chunks can be less expensive and still provide chocolate flavor.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

White sugar is often cheaper and can be used in place of brown sugar.

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, using either the tracing method or the folding method for easy handles.

In a large bowl, add 2 cups of quick cooking oats and 1 cup of puffed rice.

Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (using about 3/4 cup of whole nuts) to the bowl.

Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of flax seeds, along with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir to combine the dry ingredients and set aside.

In a separate medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup of almond butter, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and use the back of a spoon to flatten it down. Press it tightly into the pan using a piece of parchment paper to avoid stickiness.

Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes for chewier bars or 25 to 30 minutes for crunchier bars, until the edges are lightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then place in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up.

Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Slice into 12 bars.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens