January 13, 2012

SWEET & SALTY CHEWY GRANOLA BARS

These granola bars are sweet, salty, chewy, crunchy and really very tasty!  They satisfy many different cravings all at once.  I was a little skeptical at first about how they would firm up since there is no baking required, but no need to worry....they firmed up nicely.

We're trying once again to stay away from refined sugars in our house and this recipe is a perfect fit.  I can tell you that these bars have made it a lot easier.  

Ingredients:
  • 1-1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raw slivered almonds
  • 1 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 3 cups crisp brown rice cereal
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1 cup unsalted almond butter
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
Directions:

In a 350 degree oven toast the oats, almonds, pepitas and sunflower seeds one at a time until nicely browned; stirring occasionally.  Toss toasted oats and nuts with cereal and dried fruit.

Using a small sauce pan over low heat add the almond butter and honey stirring just until they meld nicely together.  Do not let this mixture cook to hot.  Add the salt and cinnamon and stir.  

Add the warm mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until all of the dry ingredients are completely coated.
 
Using a 9 x 13 pan lined with wax paper, press the mixture into the pan.  I usually lay a piece of wax paper on the top to press down the mixture so that it doesn't stick to my hands.  Cover and refrigerate for several hours until firm.  Cut into bars and serve.  Store extra bars in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

16 comments:

Tracy's Living Cookbook said...

These looks great!

tinyskillet said...

These look perfect, all the ingredients that I like. I've made no-bake granola bars before, and I like how they turn out chewy. I never used the almond butter in them, sounds so good that way.

Linda said...

wow...absolutely perfect and gorgeous!!

Culinary Collage said...

These granola bars have been a big hit in my house. I've also tried a couple of variations that I should post here in the future.

TinaRBK said...

These have a great blend of ingredients, but like Lindsy, the use of the almond butter is a new twist to me. They look delicious and I am amazed at your skill in getting them perfectly flat and square! Great item to have around the house to replace the bad unhealthny snacks. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

These look outstanding!

Anonymous said...

I love the vaarying ingredients in this bar - healthy and delicious is always a perfect mix :D

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Pam said...

I love making homemade granola bars... these are filled with so many tasty things!

Jessa said...

Wow inspiring!

Unknown said...

Yum! love all these ingredients! The bars sound wonderful!

Katerina said...

Thank you for visiting my blog, you gave me the chance to come here. You have a very beautiful home here and these bars definitely would make my day. They look delicious plus I think they are ideal for me since I am on a diet currently!

Culinary Collage said...

Hi Katerina - Thanks for stopping by. I made these bars to replace cookies in our house. They've been a bit hit and are much healthier than a lot of the cookie options.

Lisa | Authentic Suburban Gourmet said...

These look so tasty but somewhat healthy. :-) They are on my list of items to make! Enjoy your Sunday!!

Annie @ Annie's Cooking Lab said...

I've been wanting to try making my own granola bars, this recipe looks great!

Needful Things said...

These sound so good & I have almost all the ingredients on hand. I might give these a try over the weekend!

Doggy Dessert Chef said...

Ohh dried apricots, now that does sound yummy.

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