1.06.2013

granola bites.

Granola bars are my favorite snack but I've been hesitant to give them to Ethan because of all the sugar. One of my friends pointed me in the direction to this recipe for homemade, healthy granola bites (or bars if you prefer crunchy to chewy!) and I've been so eager to try it! My friend's little boy loved these and I knew Ethan would, too! The recipe called for the bites to be made in silicone baking cups but I couldn't find mine and then I couldn't find any in stores, so I was daring and made them in a regular muffin pan with nonstick spray. Only one didn't survive (and I'm pretty sure I just didn't pack the granola in tight enough before baking) and I really should have used a mini-muffin tin because now I have some massive granola bites that I'll likely cut into halves before serving to Ethan, but all in all it was a success. My husband declared them better than my favorite brand of storebought granola bars and so I'm feeling pretty proud!

I made these gluten-free by using gluten-free ingredients. I'll share the specifics of what I used in case anyone needs to alter their recipe accordingly, too.

YOU WILL NEED:

(Check out the original recipe for more details, pictures and how to make these bars instead of bites!)

2 1/2 C. quick oats (I used Glutenfreeda's Organic Instant Oats)
1/2 C. crisp rice cereal (I used Erewhon's gluten-free Crispy Brown Rice cereal)
1/2 C. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate chips)
1/2 C. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. canola oil
1/4 C. honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 tablespoons of flax seed or wheat germ if you're not making these gluten free (I used organic flax seed by Arrowhead Mills)

You mix all of the ingredients minus chocolate chips until they're all really blended. I ended up using a little bit more honey to get the "batter" wet enough. You don't want it wet, but you don't want it dry, either. It should start to clump together. Once it's the right consistency -- not too wet, not too dry -- mix in the chocolate chips.

After spraying a muffin tin (no paper liners!) with nonstick spray, I packed the granola mixture into the muffin cups. Make sure you really pack it in tightly or it'll lose shape and will fall apart. These are baked for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Make sure you leave them to cool for a couple of hours before trying to remove them or they'll fall apart!

7 comments:

  1. This looks delicious and easy enough to make! I've been wanting to do this for the longest time and you've given me that last push I needed...plus the fact that we only have a few granola bars left in the pantry. I'll be trying out your recipe soon! Thanks for sharing, love the gluten free tips too!

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  2. Yum! I love granola, can't wait to try these! Thanks for the recipe :)
    The Real McCoy(s)

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  3. These look sooooo good!!! ;-)
    Found you through the giveaway and am your newest follower,
    -Jamie
    http://chatterblossom.blogspot.com/

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  4. I've been trying to eat healthier so this is right up my alley!! Looks yummy!!!

    Ergo - Blog

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  5. We are going to give these a try! Thanks!

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  6. I have been looking for different breakfast/snack options for the boys. This is right up my alley. Thank you for posting the recipe, and adding your tips to it. Can't wait to try.

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  7. Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more consideration. I’ll probably be again to read much more, thanks for that info.

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