I have been buying granola bars the past year or so to throw into my bag as a quick snack between meals in my busy schedule. The best part of the granola bars is it comes in a wrapper and is fairly indestructible, otherwise it felt like they could be healthier and more satisfying.
I looked at many recipes and decided to try the one from Oh She Glows, as the recipes do work. I made some modifications, adding a little honey makes for a sweeter bar, so here is an easy recipe for nutritious homemade granola bars:
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
3 very ripe bananas mashed
8 pitted dates chopped
Honey to taste if more sweetness is desired
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of sea salt
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnut or pecan pieces
1/4 cup chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish or pan with coconut oil.
In a large bowl, mash bananas and add dates, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Stir in oats until well combined. Fold in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins, nuts and chocolate chips. Pat mixture into baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out to even thickness.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly brown. Let cool and cut into squares or bars. Store in an airtight container or freeze wrapped in desired airtight packaging. Enjoy on the go!
