Ultimate Soft & Chewy Granola Bars
These Ultimate Soft & Chewy Granola Bars are a delightful and nutritious treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich flavors of honey and chocolate. Inspired by my daughter's Home Economics class project, this recipe creates soft, chewy bars that are not only delicious but also customizable. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family's tastes – swap chocolate chips for craisins and white chocolate, fold in nuts, or include your favorite dried fruits. The versatile nature of these bars means you can create a variety of flavors while still maintaining their soft texture. Ideal for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or a lunchbox treat, these granola bars will stay fresh and delicious for several days when carefully wrapped.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
quick-cooking oats
2 1/2 cups (none)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
toasted wheat germ
1/4 cup (none)
butter
1/2 cup (cut into small pieces)
corn syrup
1/4 cup (none)
liquid honey
1/4 cup (none)
chocolate chips
1/4 cup (none)
flaked coconut
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cut the butter into the quick-cooking oats, brown sugar, and toasted wheat germ using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Add the corn syrup and liquid honey to the bowl, and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and sticky.
4
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and flaked coconut (if using) until evenly distributed.
5
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly to ensure the bars hold together well.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before cutting into 16 bars.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this granola bar recipe?
The recipe is for Ultimate Soft & Chewy Granola Bars.
What is the texture of these granola bars?
These bars are specifically designed to be soft and chewy.
How many bars does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 granola bars.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a lightly greased 8x8 inch baking pan.
How long should the granola bars bake?
The bars should bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
How long should I let the bars cool before cutting?
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before cutting them into bars.
What type of oats are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of quick-cooking oats.
Is wheat germ required for these bars?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of toasted wheat germ for nutrition and flavor.
What kind of sweeteners are used?
This recipe uses brown sugar, corn syrup, and liquid honey.
Can I add coconut to these granola bars?
Yes, you can optionally fold in 1/4 cup of flaked coconut.
How do I combine the butter with the dry ingredients?
Cut the butter into the oats, sugar, and wheat germ using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
What is the purpose of pressing the mixture firmly into the pan?
Pressing the mixture down firmly and evenly ensures that the bars hold together well after baking.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Yes, you can swap chocolate chips for craisins, nuts, or your favorite dried fruits.
How do I know when the granola bars are finished baking?
They are done when the edges have turned golden brown.
How should these granola bars be stored?
They should be carefully wrapped to stay fresh and delicious for several days.
Are these granola bars suitable for a lunchbox?
Yes, they are ideal as a lunchbox treat, breakfast on the go, or an afternoon snack.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the creator's daughter's Home Economics class project.
How much butter is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter, cut into small pieces.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The 1/2 cup of brown sugar should be packed.
Are these granola bars customizable?
Yes, the recipe is very versatile and allows you to create a variety of flavors based on your family's tastes.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
What liquid ingredients are mixed into the dry crumbs?
Corn syrup and liquid honey are added and mixed until the ingredients are sticky.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients listed in total.
What kind of chocolate chips should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, but you can also use white chocolate if preferred.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, the description suggests that you can fold in nuts to customize the bars.
What is the role of the honey in this recipe?
Honey acts as both a sweetener and a binder to help the bars stay chewy and hold their shape.
Are these bars a healthy snack option?
Yes, they combine wholesome oats and wheat germ, making them a nutritious treat.
Should the wheat germ be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for toasted wheat germ.
What do I do after removing the pan from the oven?
Allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before attempting to cut the bars.