Recipe: Homemade Granola Bars

Granola bars are a great snack to take on the go. They also pack a lot of nutrients and are a healthy alternative to sugary, high fat snack options. The best part about making them homemade is that you can switch up the ingredients to meet your preferences.

Yield 24 servings.

Serving size: 1 bar.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup honey 
• 1 cup natural peanut butter, smooth or crunchy 
• 3 ½ cups rolled oats 
• ½ cup raisins 
• ½ cup carrot, grated 
• ½ cup coconut 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Peel and grate the carrots 
3. Put the honey and peanut butter in a large saucepan. Cook on low heat until they melt 
4. Remove the pan from the heat. Turn off the burner 
5. Add oatmeal, raisins, carrots, and coconut to the saucepan. Stir well, and let it cool until you can safely touch it with your hands. 
6. Spray a baking pan, approximately 9x9x2 depending on how thick you want them, with cooking oil. 
7. Put the mix in the baking pan. 
8. Press the mix firmly into the bottom of the pan. 
9. Bake for 25 minutes. 
10. Cut into 24 bars. 
11. Use plastic baggies or plastic wrap to individually store them.
Alternatives: Add almonds or peanuts for more protein. Add ground flax seed for additional fiber. 

Recipe adapted from the USDA SNAP-ed website: http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/recipes/granola-bars

Guest Blogger: Emily Seidl, USD Dietetic Intern