Nutrient-Packed Chewy Granola Bars
These Nutrient-Packed Chewy Granola Bars are the perfect on-the-go snack or breakfast option, providing you with sustained energy without excess sweetness. Made with wholesome rolled oats, whole wheat pastry flour, and a blend of nutrient-rich ingredients, these bars are not only chewy and delicious but also easily customizable to suit your palate. You can switch up the sweetener to maple syrup for a vegan version and incorporate your favorite add-ins from dried fruit to nuts or even dark chocolate chips. Enjoy them as a healthy treat any time of day, knowing you're fueling your body with wholesome goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rolled oats (old-fashioned)
2 cups (Toasted in a dry skillet)
Whole wheat pastry flour or stoneground spelt flour
1 cup (None)
Wheat germ
1 cup (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (None)
Freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Ground flax seeds
1/2 cup (None)
Neutral oil (like sunflower)
1/2 cup (None)
Honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup (None)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (None)
Blackstrap molasses (optional)
2 teaspoons (None)
Sugar-free applesauce (thick)
1 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2
Toast the rolled oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled toasted oats, whole wheat pastry flour, wheat germ, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground flax seeds. Whisk together until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version), vanilla extract, and blackstrap molasses (if using) until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
5
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until everything is fully moistened. If you are adding any optional ingredients, do so now. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet. If it feels too dry, add additional sugar-free applesauce, one spoonful at a time, until the right consistency is reached.
6
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press down firmly with a spatula or your hands until tightly packed.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, remove from oven and cut into bars while still warm but allow the entire pan to cool completely before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.
8
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutrient-Packed Chewy Granola Bars?
These granola bars are a wholesome, energy-providing snack or breakfast option made with rolled oats, whole wheat pastry flour, and other nutrient-dense ingredients.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include rolled oats, whole wheat pastry flour, wheat germ, ground flax seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, oil, honey, and applesauce.
How do I make these granola bars vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the rolled oats for the recipe?
Toast the rolled oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant before cooling them.
What kind of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for whole wheat pastry flour or stoneground spelt flour.
Is there a substitute for wheat germ?
While wheat germ is nutrient-rich, you could potentially use extra oats or almond meal as a substitute, though it will change the nutritional profile.
What spices give these bars their flavor?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
Why are ground flax seeds included?
Ground flax seeds add essential nutrients and help contribute to the chewy texture of the granola bars.
What type of oil is best to use?
A neutral oil like sunflower oil is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup is an excellent alternative and makes the recipe vegan-friendly.
Does the recipe require vanilla extract?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for added flavor.
Is blackstrap molasses a required ingredient?
No, blackstrap molasses is optional but recommended for extra flavor and nutrients.
What is the purpose of adding applesauce?
Sugar-free applesauce provides moisture and acts as a binder to keep the bars chewy without adding excessive oil.
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
You can use sweetened applesauce, but the recipe suggests thick sugar-free applesauce to keep the bars healthier.
What size baking dish should be used?
You should use a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish for this recipe.
Why should I line the baking dish with parchment paper?
Parchment paper prevents sticking and allows you to easily lift the bars out of the pan after they have cooled.
How should the dry ingredients be mixed?
Combine the cooled toasted oats, flour, wheat germ, salt, spices, and flax seeds in a large bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined.
How should the wet ingredients be prepared?
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, honey or maple syrup, vanilla, and optional molasses until the mixture is uniform.
What should I do if the mixture feels too dry?
If the mixture is too dry, add additional sugar-free applesauce one spoonful at a time until it reaches the correct moist consistency.
How long do the granola bars need to bake?
The bars should be baked for 30 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The granola bars are finished baking when the edges turn a golden brown color.
Why is it important to press the mixture down firmly into the pan?
Pressing the mixture down tightly ensures the bars are well-packed and won't crumble after they are baked and cut.
When is the best time to cut the granola bars?
Cut the mixture into bars while it is still warm, but allow them to cool completely in the pan before removing them.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, dark chocolate chips are a great optional add-in for these granola bars.
What other add-ins can I use?
You can customize the bars by adding dried fruit, nuts, or seeds of your choice.
How should these granola bars be stored?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Can I freeze these granola bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for longer freshness.
Are these bars suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are designed as a healthy, sustained-energy breakfast or on-the-go snack option.
Is this recipe easy to customize?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable regarding sweeteners and optional add-ins like fruit and nuts.