Forget Nature Valley

By | Published Wednesday, May 4, 2011


My Mom used to make granola bars for me when I lived at home and would continue sending treats like these to me via mail at college.  I've never been a fan of store bought granola bars; they are usually too hard, processed, and expensive for me to justify buying.  Plus, homemade is always better, so forget Nature Valley! These are not that healthiest of homemade granola bars that I've ever made, but they are delicious and double as a easy snack and dessert! 



Ingredients
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup agave nectar
1/2 cup Earth Balance spread (vegan option) or butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
1 (6-oz) pkg semisweet chocolate chips or carob chips

Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13X9 inch pan. 
Combine brown sugar, peanut butter, agave, Earth Balance, and vanilla in a bowl; blend well. Add all remaining ingredients and mix. Press evenly in pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees or until lightly brown. Cool for about an hour before cutting bars. 


Did you mom or dad ever send you sweet little treats for you while you were away from home?
What were your favorite to get?

Enjoy your Wednesday!
 I'm heading out for a run in this beautiful sunshine. 

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10 Responses to Forget Nature Valley

  1. LindsayMay 4, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    oooohhh! yummmmmy. I have yet to tackle homemade granola bars. i've done the homemade granola thing tons but never bars. I have every ingredient on your list so I think I might make these tonight. Thanks for the inspiration girl!!

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  2. sorority chefMay 4, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    These look alot like mine. You'll have to clue me in on what software you used to put the recipe name on your pic. My software's not as creative.

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  3. Sea BirdMay 4, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    These look so yummy! I've never really thought about making homemade granola bars before. I should try this!

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  4. SarahMay 4, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Mmm, lookin' delicious. AND they double as yet another thing I could do instead of my homework this evening... Thank you for sharing. I love hearing what other peoples' comfort foods were. Mine was banana bread. Mmm.

    Find me at Just Take a Bow.

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  5. valerierbremsMay 5, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    This look so delicious!

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  6. LeaMay 5, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    AH. You make me wish I had more TIME. And motivation, I guess. I suppose a lot of the time I spend online looking at blogs could be used more productively... I love the ides of making your own, since you're able to basically use whatever little things you like.

    Once summer hits, I need to reacquaint myself with the archives of your blog and attempt some things :)

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  7. rlutzMay 5, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Those look really good...I might just have to try that recipe...

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  8. LindsayMay 6, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    i totally made these and looooove them! then I blogged about you, thanks for the inspiration. ;)

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  9. sorority chefMay 11, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    These look alot like mine. You'll have to clue me in on what software you used to put the recipe name on your pic. My software's not as creative.

    ReplyDelete
  10. HayleeMay 15, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    K these look waay too delicious to pass up. I am definitely saving this recipe to make in the near future.
    I wish my mom made me things like this! I'm think your mom needs to give my mom a hint or two.. ;)

    ReplyDelete

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