Soft Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars
Soft Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars (double batch)
These bars have all the cozy flavor of an oatmeal raisin cookie, but in a softer, snackable bar you can keep around for breakfasts and afternoons when everyone needs something easy and healthy. Honey, nut butter, and applesauce (in place of oil) hold everything together, while cinnamon, oats, and raisins give them that familiar, comforting feel. You can do different add-ins, too! I keep these on the counter in an airtight container for a couple days and then transfer them to the freezer. They easily reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
Makes 18-20 bars
Ingredients
2 cups (170 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
2/3 cup (86 g) whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (126 g) smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup (170 g) Simpson Spring honey
1/2 cup (100 g) preferred sugar, such as an erythritol-monk fruit blend, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
1 tbsp + 1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (160 g) raisins
1 cup (85 g) shredded coconut
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two 8x8-inch baking pans with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the bars out later. You can also spray it if you prefer instead.
In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, cinnamon, salt, coconut oil, nut butter, honey, coconut sugar, vanilla, raisins, and nuts, if using, until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture between the prepared pans and press it very firmly into an even layer.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top looks set and the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for 1 more hour to help the bars firm up.
Lift out of the pan using the parchment and cut into bars.
Notes
These keep well for about 1 week at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
They also freeze beautifully. Thaw before serving.