I'm back to baking! Last night I adapted a cookie recipe into granola bars and their much healthier then the store bought versions. Homemade is always more nutritionist and the best thing about it is you can add any of your favorite's to the mix. There are so many ideas to this recipe to make it your own. I'm so glad I checked out all-recipes and found this great recipe. The bars were a super hit and I'll definitely have to make another batch. I'll have to see what other versions I will make next time, maybe apple cinnamon?
These granola bars are quite different in flavor/texture from anything in the stores. They have no added sugar or fat. They get all their sweetness from the fruits and the fat is replaced with mashed banana. The bananas give the oats flavor and helps with combining the mix.The bars are chewy and soft while being a little crunchy based on whats added in the mix. They are not at all sticky and hold well together with the help of the banana and veggie oil. They are not overly sweet and are great for a healthy energy treat.
For my creation I added my favorites,dried cranberries and mini semisweet chocolate chips. I also added a little bit of cinnamon for spice. The great thing about this recipe is you can have so many varieties. Plus to be even healthier you can have applesauce as a replacement to the vegetable oil or any fruit puree that fits well with banana. Its incredibly simple and relaxed recipe. Quick to make, very little ingredient and clean up. I highly recommend this recipe and I'll be definitely making them again :D.
Homemade Healthy Granola Bars (Adapted From Healthy Banana Cookies)
Yields: 12 regular granola bars
2 overripe bananas or 2 frozen black bananas(thawed), mashed
2 cups old fashion rolled oats
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup vegetable oil (can replace with apple sauce)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
Mash bananas in large bowl.
(If using frozen bananas, let thaw out or for quicker thawing microwave till soft.)
Add oats, dried cranberries,mini chips, cinnamon, vegetable oil and vanilla.Mix till combined.
Place in fridge for 15 minutes till set. Preheat oven to 350F.Grease 9 inch glass pan. Spread evenly in pan. Bake for 20 minutes, till golden brown around edges and center.Let cool, release from pan on to cookie rack. Let cool completely in refrigerator. Cut into 12 bars. Storage: Keep in fridge and container.
(helps from becoming to moist and falling apart) (regular size granola bars)
