Several weeks ago, my family ditched the “healthy” boxed snack bars and started making our own from scratch. We wanted our little ones to consume less sugar. Even though many boxed snacks are organic or say less sugar, we know homemade is still the better option. These are by far a favorite we will keep around weekly. It is so easy to make, and is fun with little ones because they can stir it. It’s easy to substitute many options depending on what you like in a granola bar. I like to make a double batch for the week for everyone to snack on! If you only need one batch, just cut the ingredients listed below in half. First add the wet ingredients and mix together until just combined. Then fold in the dry ingredients.

To make these yummy snack bars, you’ll need:

16 ounce jar of natural peanut butter, room temp and soft.

1 1/3 cup local honey

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon sea salt

4 3/4 cups organic rolled oats

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup crushed cashews (use a mini food processor to chop into very small pieces).

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, or dried cherries, optional.

If you substitute other ingredients and need it to be more sticky, add a little more honey. If it’s too sticky, you can add more oats. This makes about 30 granola bars with dimensions of 1 1/2 inch x 5 inches.

Line a 9×13 inch pan and an 8×8 inch pan with brown, no bleach parchment paper, I use this kind https://amzn.to/46ocBEA.

Press down to make bars. Use spatula to form down the sides to make the edges look neat.

No need to bake! Just throw in the fridge for 2 hours and then cut into bars. Use the leftover parchment paper to store them in a large glass container in the fridge. Enjoy!!