Homemade granola bars loaded with oats, wheat germ, peanut butter, swirled peanut butter chocolate chips, and peanuts. Perfect for a quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack.
A friend of mine from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, asked me to participate in “May is for Miracles” by posting a favorite recipe I like to take to friends or family during difficult times. Giveaway details are at the bottom of this post.
My sweet neighbor was battling cancer and one of my favorite things to bake to take to her was homemade granola. There are endless flavor combinations, you can eat it any time of day and you don’t have to worry about keeping it hot.
I decided to change it up and make granola bars this time. My boys favorite granola bars are peanut butter chocolate chip. I Googled peanut butter granola bars and Smitten Kitchen’s post came up.
Deb’s recipe was adapted from the King Arthur Flour Chewy Granola Bar recipe. I included some of Deb’s changes, as well as suggestions from other reviewers including reducing the sugar significantly. With the peanut butter and chocolate chips these bars are still plenty sweet. Each bar has 7 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.
My grandson was in the NICU for a couple of weeks after he was born and I know my daughter appreciated quick, easy to eat items like granola bars that she could take to the hospital with her. I’m sure there’s someone you know that would be happy to receive them too.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick rolled oats
- 1/3 cup wheat germ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup peanut butter swirl chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped lightly salted peanuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray. Mix together oats, wheat germ, salt, cinnamon, chocolate chips and peanuts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, honey, corn syrup, peanut butter, water and vanilla.
- Toss the wet ingredients with the dry until the mixture is evenly crumbly.
- Spread in prepared pan, use a spatula and gently press mixture evenly in pan.
- Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes, until they're golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove from pan and cool on a wire rack for one hour. Use a long serrated knife to cut into 4”x1.25” bars.
- Wrap bars individually to store; or store in layers with parchment in between. In humid weather, it's best to store bars in the refrigerator. They also freeze well.
Notes
adapted from King Arthur Flour
You can help Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals by supporting fundraising campaigns happening this month at the charity’s partners including Walmart; Sam’s Club; Rite Aid; Costco; and Chico’s FAS Brands: Chico’s, White House Black Market, Soma Intimates and Boston Proper. For more May happenings: www.MayIsForMiracles.org.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raise funds for 170 children’s hospitals (Primary Children’s Medical Center is our Utah hospital).
Giveaway:
Update: The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations Kathia! Having fun shopping!
Wal-Mart, a Children’s Miracle Network corporate sponsor, is giving a $30 Wal-Mart Gift Card to one lucky Barbara Bakes’ reader to help raise awareness of May is for Miracles,
To enter leave a comment on this post before Friday, May 18 at noon, MST, and tell me what you like to take to friends or family during difficult times.
For extra entries:
Like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals on Facebook
Like Barbara Bakes on Facebook
Leave a separate comment for each entry. The giveaway is only open to residents of the US. Be sure your email address is included with your comment(s). Winner will be chosen randomly, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond.
Some of the links in my posts may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Thank you for supporting Barbara Bakes when you shop!
I love to bake, especially cookies, cakes, and pies. I’ll post my adventures in the kitchen, my favorite new recipes, as well as our family favorites.
Yum! This sounds lovely!
Always love a good granola bar recipe!
I like to take something warm and comforting like a casserole or just dinner.
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These granola bars look delicious!
I most often send a card to those who are having a difficult time. I find that simple gesture usually means a lot when someone sends me one. If they are close by I like to take them a special meal and just help in whatever way I can.
These cranola bars looks delicious, I love the peanut butter on them. Our office is also an sponsor for Children’s Miracle Network, we have been at the hospitals also. I am glad you are providing links for people to go and hopefully donate.
Have a Happy Mother’s Day Barbara.
These look wonderful – I think I’m going to make them to bring to the hospital this/next week for when I have my baby! Quick, easy and yummy – perfect for recovery (and for dad and nurses!). Can I replace the corn syrup with something? Maybe honey or maple syrup?
Hi Tracy! Congrats! I’m excited for you. The original recipe says the corn syrup helps create chewiness, but if you’re opposed to using it, I would just leave it out. Best wishes for a quick, easy delivery. How thoughtful of you to think of making something for dad and the nurses.
Thanks Barbara! I didn’t want to buy a whole thing for a couple of tablespoons, but if it helps with the chewiness then its a must have – thats key in granola bars for me. Thanks for your well wishes
I am totally bookmarking this one! Hope you’re well! Look forward to seeing you in a few months
Your granola bars look fantastic, and you posted this just as I was looking for a good granola bar recipe. Perfect timing! I’ll be try these this week.
I like to take comforting food and if there are children in the home, I always take a treat. Thanks for your great recipes.
I normally bring them a card and something meaningful between us to cheer them up.
I’ve never brought food items during times of difficulty. I’ve brought myself though. On the otherhand, during good times I love to bring cookies, brownies, cake and depending on the circumstance, my aunt’s fabulous Hawaiian chicken wings.
I love granola bars and these ones look delicious! Great post!
I usually bring a card and cookies or brownies. These granola bars look so good that I might try these next time.
These bars are delicious! I have to try making granola bars, always seems so complicated, but your recipe looks both simple and yummy! And healthy too.
Unfortunately, I don’t qualify for the giveaway, because I live in Canda, but I will retweet it, for those who are eligible
I like taking brownies, cupcakes and bread.
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jessie C
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
I make an Italian casserole that’s loaded with veggies, or some cheesy potato soup for friends/family who’ve had a baby, or an illness, etc.
I like to take lasagne soup – easy to make and all the comfort of a pan of lasagne, without all the work.
I like to make stuffed shells for dinner for families in need.
I like Barbara Bakes on FB.
I like Children’s Miracle Network on FB.
A card, or some cupcakes or cookies, or like freezable casseroles so they don’t have to do any cooking.
These look very portable, flexible and healthy. Great choice for keeping at the hospital during times of stress. I like to take nuts.
These look delicious! I love anything with peanut butter in them. May is for Miracles is a great cause!
Awesome giveaway. These look delicious
Great looking bars and thanks for the link. Being very helpful!
Blessings
Kristy
I will most times take Lasagna, salad, bread and a cake or BBQ chicken, twice baked potatoes, baked beans, green beans and cake!
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That looks sooo good! I’ve never thought of making granola bars… I usually make lasagna or tacos to bring to families.
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I like Children’s Miracle Network hospitals on FB.
I enjoy delivering a casserole that can be kept in the refrigerator and quickly warmed when needed. I always include a dessert, cookies or a simple cake.
The granola bars look scrumptious! Sooo much better than the store bought!
I always like to take meatloaf to friends or family during difficult times. It’s easy to transport, re-heat and comforting.
Liked Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals on Facebook
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I will bring dinner if someone is going through a tough time because to me, food is comfort and a way of showing love. In addition, bringing dinner allows the person to deal with whatever they need to deal with without having to worry about feeding their family.
I love granola bars, and I love how beautiful yours are GF. What a great post for such a wonderful cause. I love to take whole wheat chocolate chippers, or almond meal brownies as gifts. Theres something about homemade gifts, something so real and touching.
I like to bring some freshly baked cookies or brownies!
Love this post and the cause. I like to bring the person’s favorite sweet treat, or a dinner that is freezer friendly so it can be pulled out on a night when he/she doesn’t feel like cooking.
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i love to take good old fashioned soup to family! its hearty and full of flavor! Thanks for a super giveaway!
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
A home-made dinner is always good – chicken baked casserole with rolls and drinks and a dessert always makes people feel good and special!
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Taking the time to send a handwritten sweet card is appreciated since no one mails special note cards today!
I like Children’s Miracle Network on Facebook too! Thanks!
I like you on FB!