Nut Free Chewy Granola Bars

I have to confess that I really don't like buying granola bars from the store. They're always full of processed ingredients that I can barely pronounce, while adding a ton of milk chocolate and marshmallows or caramel. These are the kinds of foods I don't like packing for my sons lunch for school.

Here's a recipe for a better version of those bars you see at the store. I got this recipe from the Inspired Tasted blog, but redid it to make it nut-free for your little one's lunches. :)

Enjoy!

Yield: 12 barsAuthor: Tasha Lynn

Nut-Free Chewy Granola Bars

prep time: 20 MINScook time: 10 MINStotal time: 30 mins

Redone from the Inspired Taste blog, but made this one nut-free so you can pack these for your little ones lunch! These granola bars are so chewy and tasty your whole family will enjoy as a delicious snack!

ingredients:

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp of extra mini chocolate chips for topping

instructions:

Toasting the Oats

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line bottom and sides of a 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil. Lightly oil or spray with cooking spray.
2. Add oats to small baking sheet then bake for 5 minutes, stirring them, then baking for another 3-5 minutes until lightly toasted. 
3. Transfer to a large bowl.

Making the Bars

1. Combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract and the salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until butter melts and the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Pour butter mixture into the bowl with toasted oats. Mix well and let cool for about 5 minutes. Then add the cranberries and a 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips. Stir to combine.
3. Transfer oat mixture to lined pan then use a rubber spatula to firmly press the mixture into the pan. You'll need to press hard here to ensure the bars will stick together once they're cool.
4. Scatter the remaining 2 tbsp of chocolate chips over the bars, and press down on them so they'll stick. 
5. Cover, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Remove the granola mixture from the fridge, and I waited until the mixture was at room temperature before removing it from the pan. Cut into 12 bars.
6. Store bars in an airtight container for up to one week. Keep them in room temperature for a softer bar, or in the fridge for a slightly harder bar.

calories
210

fat (grams)
10

sat. fat (grams)
4

carbs (grams)
30

protein (grams)
4

sugar (grams)
16

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