Healthier Granola Bars

I have reworked my recipe for chewy chocolate chip granola bars to make them even healthier. The modifications worked perfectly. Nobody noticed anything had changed, which is always a sign of success. The added bonus is that not only are they healthier for my kids, but since they are lower in calories, I don't feel guilty about enjoying one once in a while either. In fact, they have come in quite handy to grab out of the freezer on a busy morning for breakfast. A granola bar doesn't sound like much for breakfast, but these are much more filling and satisfying than store-bought granola bars.

I freeze my granola bars individually wrapped so they are a convenient lunch snack or on-the-go breakfast bar. You certainly don't have to do this, but it helps if you want them to stay fresh for longer than a couple of days. There is no need to thaw the granola bars before adding them to a lunch. They thaw quickly and even taste great straight from the freezer.

If you want directions on making them gluten free, check out my original recipe notes.

Recipe (makes 16 bars)
1/3 c butter (softened)
1 T coconut oil + enough unsweetened apple sauce to = 1/3 C
1/2 C honey
1/3 C brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 C milled flax seed
3/4 C white whole-wheat flour
4 1/2 C quick oats
1 C chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Cream together butter, coconut oil, apple sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Gradually add the rest of the ingredients except for the chocolate chips. If you do not have a strong mixer, you may want to mix this with your hands. When well mixed, stir in the chocolate chips. Spread the dough in a lightly greased 9"x13" baking dish and bake for 18-20 minutes. After the dish has cooled for 10 minutes, cut your granola into 16 bars. Cool completely in the pan before removing. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer bag if desired.