Easy Granola Bars

I love this recipe.  It's fast and easy and HIGHLY adaptable.  I'm always on the lookout for something like this since we can't buy a whole lot of granola bars at the store (nut allergies in the house).  This one is awesome.


Easy Granola Bars  (Thanks Brandage)


adapted from allrecipes.com


3 cups quick-cooking oats

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (can use fat free).

2 TBSP butter, melted (optional...I've never used it)

1 cup flaked coconut

1 cup sliced almonds (again, because of allergies, we leave this out)

1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13 pan (I double the recipe and use a cookie sheet).  In a large bowl, mix ingredients with your hands until well blended.  Press flat into the prepared pan.  Bake 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, depending on how crunchy you want them.  Lightly browned just around the edges will give you moist, chewy bars.  Let cool for 5 minutes, cut into squares then let cool completely before serving.


**You can totally play with this recipe.  Try adding wheat germ and or ground flax.  Add a little whole wheat flour if you want.  My kids LOVE the Peanut Butter Milk chocolate chip ones I make.  Just add a large dollop of peanut butter, omitting dried fruit, and switch out the semi sweet chips for milk chocolate ones.  They are super tasty.  We've also used raisins instead of cranberries (more cost effective, ya know).  Mix it up...have fun.


Please share any tasty combos you come up with.  :)