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Homemade Granola Bars

4.42 from 12 votes

Posted by Ashley

on May 18, 2024

As moms, we’re always on the lookout for healthy, homemade snacks that our toddlers will actually eat and enjoy. One such snack that’s not only nutritious but also super easy to make is Homemade Granola Bars. Packed with wholesome ingredients and a touch of sweetness, these granola bars are perfect for on-the-go families. Plus, they’re a fun kitchen project you can do with your little ones!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
2. Add the rolled oats and mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some excess hanging over the sides for easy removal.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and press down firmly to flatten the mixture evenly.
5. Refrigerate the granola bars for 1-2 hours to allow them to set.
6. Once set, remove from the fridge and use the excess parchment paper to lift the granola bars out of the dish. Cut into bars or squares of your desired size.

Why Granola Bars Are Great for Toddlers and Families:

1. Nutritious: These granola bars are made with natural ingredients like peanut butter and rolled oats, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats that are essential for growing toddlers.
2. Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to include your family’s favorite add-ins, such as dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or even a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
3. Convenient: These bars are perfect for busy mornings, lunchbox treats, or after-school snacks. They’re easy to pack and don’t require refrigeration, making them ideal for on-the-go families.
4. Kid-Friendly: The natural sweetness from honey and the mini chocolate chips make these bars appealing to toddlers, while also being healthier than store-bought versions with added sugars and preservatives.

Storage Instructions:

• Keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This will also help them stay firm and chewy.
• If you want to make a larger batch, these granola bars freeze well. Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

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4.42 from 12 votes

Homemade Granola Bars

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Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 cup peanut butter
• ▢ 1/3 cup honey, (ages 1+)
• ▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ▢ 2.5 cups rolled oats
• ▢ 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, must be mini. If you dont have mini, chop up some chocolate.

Instructions 

• In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-blended. Add the rolled oats and mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
• Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some excess hanging over the sides for easy removal.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and press down firmly to flatten the mixture evenly.
• Refrigerate the granola bars for 1-2 hours to allow them to set.
• Once set, remove from the fridge and use the excess parchment paper to lift the granola bars out of the dish. Cut into bars or squares of your desired size.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

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