Homemade Granola Bars

I brought these to the Cub Scout Bake Sale and a couple people asked for the recipe.  It's from the Barefoot Contessa's website, if you're interested in the original.  It's not too different from this.  I'm still trying different recipes but have had success with this one.


Homemade Granola Bars


2 c. slow oats
1 c. sliced almonds
1 c. shredded coconut, loosely packed
1/2 c. toasted wheat germ (I used quinoa instead because I didn't have wheat germ)
3 T. butter
2/3 c. honey
1/4 c. light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1/4 t. kosher salt
1/2 c. chopped dates
1/2 c. chopped dried apricots
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. M&Ms


Preheat oven to 350.  Butter an 8 x 12 baking dish (or 9 x 13) and line with parchment paper (or wax paper sprayed generously with Pam).  Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.  Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ (quinoa).  Reduce oven temperature to 300.


Place butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture.  Add dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.  (Let cool awhile if adding m&ms or chocolate chips.)


Pour into prepared pan.  Wet fingers and lightly press mixture evenly into pan.  Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light golden brown.  Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting. 


Makes 8 enormous bars, 12 small bars, or up to 24 tiny bars like the ones you get from the store.