Kids in the Kitchen: No-Bake Granola Bars
Remember how I told you I like to scarf down granola bars in the middle of the night but since I haven’t been able to find any here yet I’ve been eating spoonfuls of peanut butter instead? Well, it was just too much for me to bear so I decided to create my own. I may have a problem. Not that I mind because these granola bars are even better then the ones at the store and they are so simple to make. Simple is key these days.
Life has been hectic here lately and I’m starting to realize that my once quick and simple recipes aren’t so quick and simple when you have a baby on the breast and a toddler clinging to your leg. (These two things do happen simultaneously but not while I’m cooking. I am no wonder mommy!) For the next couple of months my time in the kitchen is going to have to simplify even more. That’s when I’m thankful for recipes like this.
These No-Bake Granola Bars are fast and easy enough that I can have a half decent snack lying around without getting stressed out in the process. I know this phase will go by quickly and in no time Alli will be having proper naps and I’ll better be able to plan my time. But for now, I’ll stick to the simple things and enjoy the little people while I have them.
The fact that these are no bake makes them perfect to make with kids because it eliminates any guess work. Most homemade granola bars I’ve had end up dry and crumbly. With these you don’t need to wonder whether they’re under or over baked. You just put them in the fridge for half and hour and then slice and serve. They’re also great for kids with short attention spans since they’re whipped up in jiffy. 🙂
If you have a teenager in the house they could even tackle this recipe on there own. It would be a great “first” recipe to try.
Kids Can
- measure ingredients
- stir toasting nuts
- toss mixture together
- line pan with plastic wrap
- press mixture into pan
- wrap individual bars
They’re packed full of toasted oats, nuts, coconut and raisins and have a nice chewy texture. The cinnamon and molasses add a great depth of flavour and make them very addicting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
No-Bake Granola Bars
Makes: 16 bars
If making gluten free make sure that the oats are gluten free
Ingredients
- 2 .5 cups rolled oats
- 1.5 cups nuts (I used walnuts and pecans)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoon molasses
Instructions
- Toast oats, nuts and coconut in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, stirring often. Remove to a large bowl and toss with raisins.
- Place butter, sugar, cinnamon, honey and molasses in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir into oat mixture until evenly coated. Let sit just until cool enough to handle.
- In the meantime, line a 7×11 inch pan with plastic wrap. Spoon mixture into pan, pressing down to compact. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Remove from pan, peel away plastic wrap and slice into 16 bars (half lengthwise and then into 8). Wrap individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, if desired. Store covered at room temperature.
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