Soft Granola Bars
Soft, chewy granola bars with warm spices, nuts, and dried fruit, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go, with a sweet honey glaze topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- Mix brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl with a spoon until smooth.
- Stir in the oats, flour, raisins or dates, chopped nuts or coconut, ground cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan with a spatula, patting it down with your hand.
- Bake until the center is set but not firm, about 17 to 22 minutes, then cool for 15 minutes.
- Drizzle evenly with Honey Glaze.
- Cut into bars and store tightly covered for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar, which can also add a unique flavor. You can customize the bars by using different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preference. If you prefer a firmer bar, let them bake a few minutes longer, but be careful not to overbake. For a delightful twist, try adding a hint of vanilla extract.
Serving Suggestions
These soft granola bars make a great on-the-go breakfast or snack. They pair wonderfully with a cup of yogurt or a smoothie for a nutritious start to your day. You can also serve them alongside fruit for a satisfying afternoon snack. For a fun twist, drizzle with melted chocolate or serve with a side of Double Boiler 7-Minute Frosting for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a soft, chewy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Granola Bars contains roughly 123 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these granola bars gluten-free. Just ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well, as cross-contamination can occur during processing.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana per egg. This will help bind the ingredients together while adding moisture to the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The granola bars are done when the center is set but still slightly soft. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).