Hearty Granola Bar Recipe...

I wanted to make a hearty and healthy granola bar recipe. You know, something with some substance and not just a lot of processed fluff and air. I wanted it to stay together like an actual bar and not just be loose granola in a baggy. I wanted something that would travel well and hold up to bouncing around in a backpack or lunch sack.
This time of year (winter) we like to take the Sprouts snowshoeing from time to time. It is a great workout and lots of fun to boot! It's an especially great workout for those that cart a Sprout around on their back! Fortunately that hasn't been me! It burns a boatload of calories and you really need a great snack along the way.

I was really happy with how this recipe turned out. Added bonus...it can be made vegan...or, not!

Hearty Granola Bars

1/4 cup butter (sub coconut oil if making vegan)

1/4 cup of coconut oil

3/4 cup of any nut butter (I have used peanut or almond)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 TBSP of vanilla (yes, that's right)

1/3 cup raw honey (hopefully someday from our own bees!)

2 1/2 cups organic rolled oats

1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (I like cashews or pecans)

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (sub carob chips for vegan)

1/2 cup oat bran

1/4 cup of flax seeds

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp kosher or sea salt

2 TBSP water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 X 13 baking pan with parchment paper big enough to hang over the sides.

In a large saucepan combine the butter, coconut oil, nut butter, brown sugar, vanilla, honey and 2 TBSP of water. Cook over medium heat stirring often until you have a uniform syrup.

Remove from heat and add the other ingredients. Stir until it is well coated and blended.

Pour into pan and press firmly with your hands or a large spoon. Sprinkle with the salt. (optional)

Bake about 20-30 minutes or until the edges start to darken.

Leave in pan to cool completely. Then take it out of the pan and cut into squares. It sets up like a granola bar but still has some great chew appeal. Not too crunchy.

These really do hit the spot! They are filling and energy producing and taste amazing.

I wrapped them individually to throw in my backpack. They were a HUGE hit with my hiking mates.
I make them often and mix it up a bit with various nuts and nut butters! Enjoy...