We’re trying to eat healthier snacks, and if possible I’m trying to make them so that I know exactly what is in them. Plus, as a general statement, homemade goodies are cheaper than the store bought counterparts, and a lot more yummy!
I decided to come up with my own version of a granola bar. I found a basic one on Allrecipes and I took the readers comments and my own thoughts and came up with this recipe. Now, please forgive me, but I never time anything when I am cooking. I know that the recipe said 30 minutes for a crunchy bar. We prefer chewy, so I baked it less.
Chewy Raisin Granola Bar
2 cups oats (.24)
1 cup Whole Wheat flour (.17)
1/2 c Brown Sugar (.08)
1/2 C Wheat Germ (.75)
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 c Raisins (.45)
1/2 c honey (.15)
2 tsp Vanilla
1/2 c Applesauce (.15)
1/2 c oil (.13)
1 egg beaten (.12)
Mix all the dry ingredients together. In a medium sized bowl combine all wet ingredients. Combine the 2 making sure that it is thoroughly mixed. Grease a 9×13 pan. Pour ingredients into pan and press down with a spatula. Place in a 350 degree oven. Check after a couple of minutes and press down again if needed. Remove from oven when the edges are browned. Cut before cooled completly. Makes 18 bars.
Total Cost: $1.94 or .11 a bar (If you think of it in terms of boxes, most boxes have 6 bars, so 3 boxes @ .65/ea)
You can also change out the raisins for something else. I think the next go around I will opt for cranberries, or maybe cranberries and apples. Also, for some added health..throw in some ground flax seed.
To see some other healthy recipes, visit Life as A Mom. And don’t forget to check out the recipe swap over at Grocery Cart Challenge, and additional frugal ideas over at Biblical Womanhood!
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome, I love it when I can find a snack to make at home!
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came over here from lifeasmom to check out your homemade granola bars. i will have to try these, the boys will be thrilled. stopped buying them to avoid all the preservatives. i like any vehicle for wheat-germ. i’ll probably add some flax meal when i make them. i’m adding this recipe with link-back to you. thanks!!
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These look good. I will have to try them. Thanks.
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My family loves granola bars and this recipe sounds really delicious. I am trying to get my family to eat healthier as well this year, and I like knowing what is in my families food. Thank you for this recipe.
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OOOHHH, this sounds very good.
I’m going to make this one. 
Thank you for sharing.
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I will be making these on Sunday to have as a quick breakfast during the week or to send as a snack in the girls lunchboxes.
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I love how this recipe doesn’t use much sugar or oil. I’ve been looking for a better granola bar recipe than I already have and I’m glad you posted this one. I will definitely be trying this one!
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Granola bars are often my breakfast so this is a must-try recipe for me.
Thanks so much!
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This looks great, thank you! I will definitely try this recipe because it would be a great on-the-go snack for my daughter.
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One of my resolutions is to start making our own snack food, so what a great start! Thanks!
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This is a great recipe! Can’t wait to try!
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So, the kids like them? I might just try this recipe this weekend.
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Stephanie-
The kids loved it! Actually, they devoured them and I am in need of making more! They are sweet (not too sweet) because of the applesauce and the brown sugar and the raisins add a little sweetness as well.
Thank you everyone for your comments! Let me know if you make/try them!
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thanks for recipe I believe I will make them I believe they look pretty tasty and I will know exactly what goes in them
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I’ve been wanting to make granola bars for awhile. This will help.
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Sounds great! Thanks for sharing!
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Oops! I don’t have wheat germ on hand???!! Can I substitute anything?
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they call me mommy-
Hmm. You know I can’t think of anything that would work as a substitute…but, personally I would omit it if I didn’t have it. Having said that..I have no idea how it would turn out..but I would try it. If you aren’t comfortable enough to do that..maybe do additional flour so it would remain the same consistency.
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Thanks! I will just see if I can pick up some wheat germ next time we hit the Amish store!
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I too found this recipe on allrecipes about a month ago, and have made them several times – great quick hearty snack as I’m nursing twins! I cut down the brown sugar a little each time, until last time I thought it had so much honey, I’d try it without the brown sugar… and they still taste great! I usually use half the amount of wheat germ, and add ground flax for the other half. And throw in some chopped nuts for extra protein and nutrients. Dried cranberries are good, and blueberries even better (but a lot more expensive)! I’m glad I found your blog, I’ll be checking back often – thanks!
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Thanks for this recipe! I bookmarked it quite a while ago (probably back when you posted it!), but just got around to making it today. They turned out great! Now I hope my hubby likes them:)
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mmmm, looks delicious! I'll be trying it soon!
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