Ready to kick those store-bought granola bars to the curb? Preheat your oven, grab the oats and get ready to snack on soft and chewy granola bars, packaging not included.

Yield: 16 bars
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 40 min

Ingredients

  • eh_best-chocolate-chip-granola-bars-recipe2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 2 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large egg whites, lightly whisked

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325ºF and line 13×9-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhand on the two short sides of pan. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.
  2. Spread the oats and almonds on an unlined baking sheet. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the oats and almonds to a large bowl and let them cool completely. Once cooled, stir in the flaxseed meal and mini chocolate chips.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, salt, honey, vegetable oil and egg whites. Pour the mixture over the oatmeal, stirring until it’s well coated.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, and using using wet hands or a flat spatula, firmly press it into even layer. (See Kelly’s Notes.)
  5. Bake the granola for 30 to 35 minutes until dark golden on top. Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 2 hours.
  6. Using the parchment paper overhangs, transfer the granola onto a cutting board and slice it into bars.
  7. Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Notes:

  • DON’T underbake the granola. We’re looking for a dark golden color to guarantee the ingredients have bound together.
  • DO add in any other preferred mix-ins, such as dried fruits, coconut or crystallized ginger.
  • DON’T rush the cooling process. It’s important to allow the bars to cool in the pan for a full 2 hours so that they hold their shape post-slicing.
  • DO tell yourself that you’re “only going to eat one granola bar” and then eat three and rationalize the added servings were providing “additional health benefits.”

source: Just a Taste