Just because I’m trying to eat healthy doesn’t mean I don’t want to snack all the time 🥺 These granola bars have been life savers 😩
There are tons of #nobake recipes online but I’ve learned to make adjustments to my taste. My favorite recipe is by Love & Lemons, because the proportions were just right. Below is their recipe, with some of the adjustments I like to make.
Ingredients & Tips:
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1 cup very smooth creamy natural peanut butter or cashew butter
I like to use crunchy Peanut butter. It added an extra peanut to the granola bar that was really satisfying 🤤
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2/3 cup honey
The more honey you use, the more “chewy” your granola bars will be. This is where I add in banana 🍌 because the banana will also add to the moisture & make the bar more chewy. If the mixture is too soft or chewy you can (1) add more quick oats and/or (2) put the bars into the fridge until they harden.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sometimes, I forget the vanilla. It’s definitely best with it, but don’t trip if you forget the vanilla 😉 For extra flavor, I really like to add CINNAMON.
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Heaping 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
I also often forget to add salt 🤷🏽♀️ Doesn’t feel like a big deal to me, but to each their own. I think this adds balance to the taste but, again, don’t trip.
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2½ cups whole rolled oats
I use the cheapest quick oats out there 😂 I realized how expensive granola is vs how affordable quick oats are. This is a huge money’s saver for me.
After I add my quick oats, I add protein powder, if you want to get some extra protein in!
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1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Add chocolate chips to your taste. You can also opt to omit them. This is where people add raisins, craisins or whatever you’re feeling experimental about.
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3 tablespoons pepitas or crushed peanuts or cashews
I’ve always ignored this step 😂 I use crunchy peanut butter so that I don’t have to add extra peanuts at the end.
Directions:
1) You’re supposed to MIX THE SOFT INGREDIENTS FIRST – Peanut butter, honey, vanilla
2) ADD THE QUICK OATS. If it’s too sticky, add more oats. If it’s too hard to mix, add more honey, peanut butter or banana — whichever taste you like best.
3) Add EXTRAS LAST – chocolate chips, peanuts, etc.
4) SPREAD on a baking sheet, over parchment or wax paper. You can put these in the fridge to store! I like to wrap them in that same parchment/wax paper and then put them in sandwich bags.
Hope you enjoy your granola bars! Drop a comment below and let me know how they came out, or if you have any tips or tricks I can try!
EllaThought 