Chewy Granola Bars

These are my favorite “bar” cookie when I’m not in the chocolate-brownie mood. The name is deceptive…they are nothing like a “granola” bar that you would buy at the store. Instead they are more like a sweet blondie with granola instead of chocolate chips. The flavor from the brown sugar is excellent and the taste and sweetness depends on the different type of granola you use. By the way, the batter in these granola bars are delicious…maybe even better than cookie dough! This recipe is from the Peach Tree Family Cookbook in Fredericksburg, TX. I also have to give credit to my sister, Brittany, who made these yesterday. Enjoy!

Combine the butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

Beat in mixer until light.

Stir in the flours, baking powder, and salt.

Add the granola and nuts last.

Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and cut into bars.

Chewy Granola Bars
Ingredients
1/2 cup soft butter
1 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup white flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
*1 1/2 cups granola (We used Kashi Go Lean Crunch).
1/2 cup nuts, coarsely chopped

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with a spoon or whisk until light. Stir in the flours, baking powder, and salt. Add the granola and nuts last.
3. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

*The sweetness of the granola in these bars will change the taste. If using a sweet granola, you may cut the sugar down to 1 1/4 cups.

Makes 32