Playgroup Granola Bars Recipe

I've made these twice now and the second time I made them I tweaked the recipe a bit and came up with a great granola bar! Instead of the wheat germ I used natural wheat bran, added 2 tablespoons of flax seed, whole wheat flour instead of the all purpose, and instead of the oil I used 1/4 cup of organic crunchy peanut butter and 1/4 mashed banana. I also tossed in some craisins instead of raisins and some mini chocolate chips...delicious!

I've made these bars twice now; the first time, I followed the directions exactly and I found the finished product a little to crumbly for my taste. The kids and hubby devoured them and immediately requested more. The 2nd time I added 1/2 cup of apple sauce to the mix . This made the bars much easier to cut and gave them a more chewy, cookie-like texture. The fam. inhaled these, as well. In the future, I guess I'll add apple sauce and make them more chewy depending on the mood of my kids that day, (my husband prefers the crunchy). Thanks!!!

This is a GREAT base recipe that you can really tweak to your liking. Most weeks, I make a double batch of these for a quick, on-the-go breakfast throughout the week. I didn't like how they cut (crumbly) so I bought a couple of bar pans and they work perfectly. For your first time making this (or any recipe!) I recommend trying it exactly per the recipe, then make changes. We like to get creative with the add-ins and do add 1/2 c applesauce and 1/3 cup flaxseed to all. The only add in our family really didn't like was peanut butter. I always set the timer for 20 minutes then check every few minutes until done. The add-ins can really change the cook times. I also wrap these individually and they keep very well all week. Apple bars: add 2 finely grated apples, 2 additional tsp cinnamon, 1/2 c chopped pecans or walnuts. Cherry bars: add 3/4 cup chopped dried cherries, 1/2 tsp almond extract, 1/3 c slivered almonds, 1/2 c shredded coconut. Blueberry bars: 3/4 cup dried blueberries, 1/3 cup slivered almonds, 1/2 c shredded coconut.

I just finished making this. I am not a baker - but I have made a few things here and there and learned a few tips from the awesome people who do make suggestions. So here are mine, 1st off, we don't do raisins. So I used chocolate chips instead. Also, instead of greasing the pan I just used parchment - worked like a charm and no mess. Someone also recommended to keep the mixture approx and inch from the edges of the pan, I did the same. I also changed the brown sugar to a 1/2 cup as someone else suggested, and added 1/2 cup applesauce to the liquid mixture to ensure they stay soft. I cut them while warm. Now I am hoping they stay soft for tomorrow when I will be serving them. Update - they did stay fairly soft yet intact. I stored them in a tupperware overnight and they were perfect and gobbled up by my daughter's volleyball team in no time! Making a double batch for this next tournament!

I will definitely make these again. I made the suggested change of only using 1/3 cup sugar, reducing cook time to 18 minutes, and leaving one inch of space between the edge of the pan and the sides. I didn't have wheat germ so I didn't use it. In addition to that, I added 2 tablespoons peanut butter, half a cup mini chocolate chips, and a banana because I have them on hand and they sounded good together in a granola bar. These Elvis style granola bars turned out awesome.

Terrific recipe. I made them gluten free by whizzing up some oats in the blender to make oat flour. Then instead of wheat germ, I used flax seed meal. I made several variations. I called one "Double Pumpkin" - it had 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and about 1/4 cup of pepitqs. The maple version had maple syrup, maple extract and pecans. The chocolate version had mini chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Added raisins and craisins. Next time I'll try adding chopped dried apricots and apricot marmelade.

LOVE THIS RECIPE!!! I triple the recipe and it works great! In place of the raisins, I add 3 cups of raisins (or other dried fruit), 1 package chocolate chips, 1 cup pumpkin seeds and 1 cup sunflower seeds. I flatten out the whole batch into my jelly roll pan on baking paper to bake them. When they come out of the oven, I slide them out onto the counter to cool for 5 minutes before I use my pizza cutter to cut them.

The changes I made were: used parchment paper instead of greasing the pan (always works like a charm on things like this!), and only used about 3/4 of the 1/2 cup honey the recipe calls for (it was all the honey I had on hand). Even with decreased honey, I felt it was a little on the sweet side, I will cut it back further next time. I did do the optional raisins, which did add some sweetness. I would make this again, with 1/2 cup brown sugar (instead of 3/4) and maybe 1/3 cup honey. And maybe some chocolate chips, because life is better with chocolate chips!

Reduce brown sugar to 1/3 cup. Increase cinnamon to 1 T. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Add 1/2 cup walnuts. Reduce baking time to 23 minutes!!!

I enjoyed this as a recipe base. I did make many alterations based on reviews, but have no doubt that it would be great just as written. I plan to try several different variations. Today's first batch was: whole wheat vs white reduced brown sugar to 1/2 c total of 1-1/4c oil, chunky applesauce, and honey (equal parts) Old fashioned oats 1/4 c hemp seeds for protein 1/4 c ground flax instead of wheat germ (love WG, but was out at the moment) craisins vs raisins added slivered almonds The chunky applesauce was a really nice addition. Also, I baked it in a 7x11 glass pan and the height of the bar is perfect. Baked for about 25-30 minutes to let it cool. They are chewy and not hard. I like the suggestion of pumpkin; or a more nutty blend with walnuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, etc; peanut butter; etc. Could also make these in cookie form instead of a bar if that is easier. Would need to flatten them to the desired shape, or bake in a muffin tin.

We've made these many times. I have altered the recipe slightly. I put 1/4 cup less sugar, reduce oven to 325 and bake only 25 mins. This makes them softer and we like them better than the crisper texture at the higher, longer temp. I also use mini chocolate chips instead of raisins. ;)

I make a lot of granola bars for youth camps, and decided to try these because they are easy and not terribly sweet, like some others. I pretty much followed the recipe, but added in pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, some crystallized fruit, and cranberries. I wanted them to be crunchy, so substituted corn syrup for honey. I doubled the recipe so I had plenty for a morning snack for teenagers. They are yummy.

Bro, I need to show this off.

I make this all the time and have linked many to the recipe. So versatile and healthful!

It was good, but not good enough that I'd make it again. It didn't taste like a granola bar; it tasted more like a bar cookie. I only used 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and that was plenty.

I've been making these for YEARS! They are my go-to when company is coming and just for a great breakfast grab-n-go. I've made many tweaks when I'm out of stuff. No wheat germ? I add a little more flour or I finely chop nuts and add. No honey? I have used both maple syrup and agave as alternatives. Always, YUM!

I add a smashed banana. Sometimes I add whatever cereal is left in the pantry that no one is finishing. I add 1/2 applesauce to keep it moist and lower the oil to 1/4 cup. I usually add cranberries & chocolate chips. It's delicious and my children love them. I have been following this recipe for 12 years now!

I tried this on a whim and it was perfect.

Made it for dinner and it disappeared.

These are really nice to have around for a homemade grab 'n' go breakfast. I think it's worth mentioning that the recipe says to grease a 9x13 baking "pan" but it should say baking "dish" -- I think that would resolve so many reviewers' issues with bake time discrepancies and burning/overcooking issues. I used a metal pan and mine did get a little overdone on the bottom after only 28 minutes. If I make these again I will use the glass baking dish like the one they use in the video. Our 4 year old really liked it but that's likely because kids love sugar :)