Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Granola bars are always around our house.  They are an easy snack to throw in a bag when we're off to work or playing outside.  They sometimes get a bad rap for not being the healthiest option, but I like them because they can be filling with some whole grains and a little sweetness.  And when you make them yourself, you can control how you add that sweetness.  And these bars are made with honey, coconut oil and get an added flavor component from the flaked coconut.  And you know I'm not a huge coconut fan, but the way it toasted up in these bars provides a nice change of pace.  And of course, the chocolate chips play a nice supporting role in this snack.

After a month off, we're back at it for Secret Recipe Club and I was very excited at the opportunity to choose from Angela's blog at Angela's Kitchen.  Angela has a huge variety of recipes on her blog which is incredibly impressive given that she also has a gluten free and dairy free kitchen.  I love that Angela, who has been cooking this way for almost 20 years, doesn't let food sensitivities diminish the foods and treats her family can enjoy.  As her blog subtitle says, everyone deserves a cookie!  And even though Angela follows restricts gluten and dairy, she has plenty of recipes that have "normal" ingredients or can be made easily with a gluten or dairy inclusive counterpart.  Since I'm lucky enough to not have to deal with this dietary restrictions, I decided to try Angela's Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars with the standard alternative ingredients.  And they turned out wonderfully.  I had all the ingredients on hand and just subbed the "regular" version for Angela's gluten- or dairy-free option.  Feel free to make the original for your dietary needs or even play with the flavors by swapping out dried cranberries for the chocolate chips, or even peanut butter for the coconut oil.  These were a great treat, easy to make, and flexible for your taste or diet.  Be sure to visit Angela's blog for more great recipes.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Ingredients

2/12 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup coconut flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
1/4 cup honey

In a large bowl, whisk together oats, cereal, chocolate chips, brown sugar, coconut flakes and salt.

Add coconut oil and honey and mix together until coated. (Note: I found it easiest to use my hands for this.)

Press mixture into a parchment lined 9 x 13 inch pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until mostly dry, but still with a little give when poked.

Cool in pan for about 10 minutes then score the bars where you will ultimately cut them. (Note: You don't want to cut all the way through at this point.  Just glide your knife across, pushing in about a third of the way, so you get a clear line of where you will cut them into individual bars.)

Let set completely then cut along scored lines.

Keep in an airtight container to eat within a couple of days, or put in a airtight container or freezer bag, separating bars with waxed paper, and freeze.

Makes 16 bars.

Happy Baking,
The Cookie Princess

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