Playgroup Granola Bars

I didn't make up the catchy name, but these have caught on around here! I have been experimenting a lot with different granola bars because the kids love them so much, and I have a hard time spending big bucks on granola bars from the store that are filled with a ton of (mostly unwanted) ingredients.

The nice thing about these is that they hold together very well. Once cut and cooled, we can grab a bar on the way out the door without the threat of being showered with granola crumbs by the time we reach our destination. :)

These don't fall apart in our hands!

Playgroup Granola Bars (source: allrecipes.com)

2 c. rolled oats

3/4 c. brown sugar (I have cut this down to a scant 1/2 c. with no problem)

1/2 c. wheat germ

3/4 t. ground cinnamon

1 c. flour (I used whole wheat)

3/4 c. raisins (I like to use 1/4 c. raisins and 1/4 c. chocolate chips instead)

3/4 t. salt

1/2 c. honey (I've used agave too, still great)

1 egg, beaten

1/2 c. vegetable oil (I fill a 1/2 c. measure almost full with unsweetened applesauce, then fill to top with oil)

2 t. vanilla

*my additions

1 T. chia seeds

1 T. millet (this is awesome! Adds a subtle crunch to each bite)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan (note: I have a 9x13 baking sheet that I highly recommend getting if you make granola bars a lot).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt (chia and millet if you are using). Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well; the batter will be sticky and thick, just keep turning and stirring until all the flour is incorporated. Lightly oil (I use non-stick spray) your hands and pat the mixture evenly and firmly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut.