No Bake Healthy Granola Bars

I don't know about you, but to me, buying granola bars seems like a fortune these days. If you want something that is remotely made with some healthier ingredients, you spend more than $1 per bar??? And, really, it's still not good for you.  There is a hefty price tag associated with convenience these days.  Not to mention the kids granola bars. They are full of sugar, expensive, and frankly just terrible to consume.  But, I am guilty of keeping them around for the frequent "I didn't eat all my food, we are not at home, and suddenly I am starving" I get from my child.  Never fails.....  Ever.

I was so excited to find this recipe for homemade granola bars that use ingredients I already have at home!!  The recipe below is for chocolate chip granola bars, but you can make these any way you want: fruit and nut, oatmeal raisin, oat and honey, peanut butter, or whatever you come up with.  If you are Gluten Free, using Gluten Free oats will make this a GF recipe.

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Do you or does someone you care about need to lose weight?  Bodynista offers a fantastic line of weight loss products from Total Life Changes to get you into the body you deserve and help  you take your life back.  Check out testimonials from people who have used Total Life Changes products.  Shop for your new body by visiting our Total Life Changes Store Page.​  ​​​

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NO BAKE CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BARS (VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE)
PREP TIME
15 mins
TOTAL TIME
15 mins
 
No Bake Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (V+GF): the perfect protein-rich, on-the-go snack that’s super easy to make, full of simple ingredients and delicious. Vegan and Gluten Free.

Serves: 12-18 granola bars

INGREDIENTS
Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup oat flour (make your own by blending oats until it becomes flour!)
• ½ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 flax eggs (whisk together 2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons warm water, let set for 5 mins)
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• ½ cup natural, unsalted almond butter
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Optional Add-in Ingredients

• ¾ mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped nuts or other add-ins of your choice

INSTRUCTIONS
Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients: oats, flour, coconut and salt.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the wet ingredients: flax eggs, coconut oil, almond butter, maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to stir ingredients together until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
4. Pour into the prepared baking pan. Spread granola bar mixture into an even layer, pressing down until it's tightly packed and smooth.
5. Place baking pan in freezer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Remove from freezer. Lift bars out of the baking pan. Set onto an even surface and slice into 12-18 bars. Enjoy!

NOTES
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. You may also freeze these for up to a month.
- Storing at room temperature: These bars will be slightly soft, but still keep together at room temperature. If you’re bringing these as a snack, make sure to store them in a hard container, like a Tupperware.

What do you think of this recipe?  Do you have a great recipe to share?  Comment below are email us to have it featured in a Food Friday article!  - Bodynista

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Do you or does someone you care about need to lose weight?  Bodynista offers a fantastic line of weight loss products from Total Life Changes to get you into the body you deserve and help  you take your life back.  Check out testimonials from people who have used Total Life Changes products.  Shop for your new body by visiting our Total Life Changes Store Page.​  ​​​