Customizable Granola Bars Recipe | Butterfingers Kitchen

Granola bar is my go-to snack when I get hangry after working out. But to be honest, I haven't found any store-bought ones that I really take to. They are either too sticky, too soft, too chewy or too sweet. That's why I try to look for recipes to make them at home, and I found this original recipe from Melissa Griffiths that allows plenty of room for customization. And I am excited to share the recipe with you! This one is my take on the not-too-chewy not-too-sticky almond-cranberry-raisin-chocolate granola bars. WOW. Such a lengthy name! But it's totally worth it. I promise!

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Watch the video below for detailed instructions

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Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup nuts of your choice (roughly chopped). I used almond
• 1/3 cup brown sugar 
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey (please use high quality honey for better result)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
• 3/4 cup total add-ins of your choice (dried fruits, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, literally anything). I used 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup cranberries and 1/4 chocolate chips.

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread oats and nuts out on a rimmed baking sheet. 
2. Bake oats and nuts for 8 - 10 minutes. This step is optional but I recommend doing it for more flavorful granola bars.
3. While oats and nuts are baking, add brown sugar, butter and honey to a small sauce pan and cook on medium low heat till everything dissolves.
4. When the everything has dissolved, add salt and vanilla bean paste to the sauce and stir well to incorporate. If you like peanut butter, add 1/4 cup to the sauce as well.
5. When oats and nuts are done baking, transfer them to a big mixing bowl then add the sauce and mix well. Then add the add-ins and mix till well-incorporated. If you want your chocolate chips to hold their shape, wait till the mixture to cool down before adding.
6. Transfer everything into a square pan lined with parchment paper then press it down as tight as possible then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. If you're not in a rush you can leave it overnight, even in room temperature.
7. You can store your granola bars in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge or freezer for longer. 

Enjoy!