Granola bars. Breakfast bars. Energy bars. We’re not exactly sure how to categorize these soft-baked oatmeal bars. Whatever you call them, though, they are a delicious way to snack or to fuel up before or after a workout.
With store-bought brands of any of these kind of bars, you need to be careful and read those nutrition labels — the amount of added sugar, fat and calories in one granola or energy bar may shock you. These healthy homemade versions are easy to make, store well and can be customized to your tastes or allergy needs.
Skinny Oatmeal Bars
Yield: 15 bars
Ingredients:
Vegetable oil cooking spray
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup low-fat granola
3 tablespoons white whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 medium ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup pecan halves, chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13-by-9-inch pan with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, combine oats, granola, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mash banana in a separate bowl; whisk in milk, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Fold in cranberries and pecans. Combine dry and wet ingredients. Press mixture evenly into pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly brown. Remove from oven, allow to cool and cut into 15 bars.
Chef Notes:
Almonds or walnuts may be used in place of pecans. Soy, nut or seed milks may be substituted for skim milk.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING: 164 Calories; 5 grams Fat; 1 gram Saturated Fat; 13 mg Cholesterol; 147 mg Sodium; 27 grams Carbohydrates; 14 grams Sugar; 3 grams Fiber; 3 grams Protein
Looking for more info and want to make an appointment with a registered dietitian? Call 1-855-434-5483 or visit Nutrition Services on henryford.com.
