In an attempt to use up some steel cut oats that I bought by accident, I decided to make a chewy granola bar. I love these as an anytime snack, but it'd be especially nice to create a recipe that's delicious and not as bad for you. They should be relatively healthy, otherwise you might as well have an oatmeal cookie!
This batch ended up with a few too many chocolate chips and not enough almond butter, so I'll adjust the recipe next time. I'll also try using all agave instead of brown sugar. However, the basic recipe may become a pantry staple!
Chewy Granola Bars
Adapted from KAF
1 2/3 cups rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup oat bran
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup almond butter
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon water
Line a 9x13 backing dish with parchment or aluminum foil. Spray well, these guys are sticky! Preheat oven to 350.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine dry ingredients and mix to incorporate. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, agave, water and vanilla. Add liquid mixture to dry mixture and mix well.
Press mixture into pan, leveling with your hands. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and slightly crispy. Carefully remove from pan, while keeping on the paper/foil. Let cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars and store wrapped tightly.