This was my first attempt at making my own homemade chocolate chip granola bars. Many store-bought granola bars are made with high fructose corn syrup and a lot of sugar, so I wanted to create a healthier version that still tasted delicious. I have wanted to try it for so long, but I was scared it wouldn’t come out the way I wanted. I’ve looked at a bunch of different recipes, and read through tons of comments on what worked, what didn’t. I finally scribbled down what I thought would make “the perfect granola bar” and when I was ready to start, I realized I didn’t have wheat germ (one of the main ingredients). So then I had to research what I could sub for it since I didn’t want to make a trip to the store just for wheat germ. Plus, I have no clue where to even find it! Feel free to try the recipe with it, but I substituted it for ground flax seeds (which I happened to have in my pantry) and this recipe turned out AMAZING. They cooled to be nice and chewy, and taste just like the kind you buy at the store (except a little healthier ;)). Want proof? Out of the whole batch there is 1/2 a bar left…I gave one to my fiancé and he couldn’t stop eating them. Taste-test approved! I should have made more to last the week :/ I made these with sliced almonds and chocolate chips. This recipe is a great base for your own creativity-add fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, blueberries, banana), nuts, M&Ms, etc. I would love to hear your ideas!
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 tbsp packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup ground flax seeds (or wheat germ)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 egg, beaten
- ⅛ cup vegetable oil
- ⅛ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, sugar, ground flax seeds, flour, cinnamon, salt, almonds, and chocolate chips together.
- Add egg, honey, oil and apple sauce on top and stir with a spoon for a few minutes until all ingredients are blended together.
- Transfer to a greased 8x8 pan and flatten down to desired thickness using wax paper.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until just firm and edges are golden brown. Do not overbake or they will be too hard!
- Cool 5 minutes, then cut with a knife and leave in pan to cool.
- Once completely cooled, remove and store in an airtight container.
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I’m always looking for a good homemade granola bar recipe–thanks! 🙂
I love this recipe! Granola is one of my favorite treats!
Wanted to wish you a Happy valentine’s Day and let you know that I have awarded you with the Liebster Award! Check out my post from today. I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
I didn’t like these at all. Because of the egg and flour it tastes like bland cake. Had high hopes. I want something exactly like I buy at the store or he won’t eat them.
Hi Therese! I am sorry to hear that they did not turn out they way you had hoped. They are definitely different from the storebought kind, since they don’t have the sweet syrup (which makes them healthier, too). Maybe you can try to add more ingredients to them, like peanut butter or dried fruit? 🙂
This recipe is amazing! I substituted greek yogurt for the vegetable oil and they came out great!
How necessary is the oil? Can I sub it with more applesauce?
I haven’t tried that, let me know if you do!!