Honey Granola Bars

Honey Granola Bars

Honey Granola Bars are a simple, straight-forward recipe that the kids love!  Many variations can be made, instructions are included below.


Honey Granola Bars
Makes about 18 bars.

Pre-heat the oven to 350F.  Line a 15"x10" baking sheet with a rim with parchment paper.


Combine the following ingredients* in a large mixing bowl and mix well:


4 cups rolled oats 

1/2 cup dried figs (or other dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries)

1/2 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut or whole flax seeds 

1 cup nuts (pumpkin seeds, walnuts, cashews, etc.)

1 cup coconut sugar (or sweetener of choice)

1/2 cup honey (or agave nectar)
2 tablespoons sorghum molasses (or honey)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

Spread the granola evenly over the parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake it for 15 to 20 minutes or until it is just becoming golden.  

Remove it from the oven and use waxed paper or parchment to press it down firmly into the pan while it is still quite warm.  Once it has cooled down almost to room temperature, cut the granola bars with a sharp knife.  

They may need to be pressed down again with the waxed paper.  Allow them to continue to cool.  Once they are completely cooled, use a spatula to remove them from the pan.  It may be necessary to cut the bars again with a sharp knife.  Store them covered and place parchment  between layers.  A word to the wise:  Do not use paper towels or foil.  They stick to the bars.  

*Note:  I've discovered I can substitute quite a few things in this combination.   Basically, it needs 4 cups of grain and 2 cups of additional ingredients.  I've used up to 1 cup of puffed rice or puffed millet cereal instead of up to 1 cup of rolled oats and instead of the fruit.  

The batch pictured has rolled oats, dried figs, coconut and pumpkin seeds without the molasses.  Have fun and enjoy!