Do you ever find yourself looking for a snack that’s satisfying but healthier? Maybe you’re at the office and there’s not much to choose from in the office vending machine. Or maybe you’re at home and need a quick pick-me-up in between all your other activities. I have a recipe for you today to help you through those snack time dilemmas – Chewy Granola Bites. Make these on Sunday and you’ll have a healthy, yummy snack available all week.
Most any granola recipe has some type of oats its base. My favorite kind to use is old-fashioned oats. In addition, peanut butter is commonly found in granola bars. Since I was making granola bites, I started with both of these ingredients and added in some dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and honey for taste and texture.
What makes Chewy Granola Bites healthier?
First off, you know what’s in them. You made them. You know the ingredients. And, nutritionally, oats are a great source of soluble fiber, which has been shown to benefit heart health. Protein in the oats, along with peanut butter, help you stay full and satisfied. Chia and flax seeds are rich heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids as well as other nutrients. Add in sunflower seeds, dried apples and cranberries and you have a healthy, satisfying snack.
Cooking tips and other tidbits
- A #40 cookie dough scoop works really well to scoop the raw granola mix into the mini-muffin tin. It holds about 1 ½ Tbsp.
- Be sure to press the raw granola mix firmly into the muffin cups. This helps it hold together after baking.
- Cool the baked granola bites for at least 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. They are more likely to crumble if taken out too soon.
- Use a thin butter knife to help lift the granola bites out of the tins.
- To make this gluten free, be sure to use oats that are certified gluten free.
- These are easily modified to your family’s tastes. Don’t care for sunflower seeds? Try pumpkin seeds or some other type of seed. Substitute other dried fruits for the dried apples and cranberries.
- Chew Granola Bites also make a quick, healthy breakfast if you need something as you’re going out the door in the morning. Another great option for a quick breakfast is breakfast cookies.
Here’s the recipe. Enjoy!
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Chewy Granola Bites with Peanut Butter and Apples
Ingredients
- 2/3 c. creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 c. honey
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 c. dried cranberries
- 3/4 c. dried apples finely chopped**
- 1/2 c. slivered almonds finely chopped**
- 2 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats*
- 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 2 Tbsp. ground flax seed
- 2 Tbsp. shelled sunflower seeds
- 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and spray mini-muffin tin with non-stick pan spray.
- In a large bowl beat together the peanut butter, honey, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well.
- Scoop about 1 1/2 Tbsp. of the mixture into each muffin cup. A #40 cookie dough scoop works very well for this. Press mixture firmly into the muffin cups.
- Bake on middle rack of the oven at 350° for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes.
- Using a thin butter knife carefully remove granola bites from the muffin tin and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or cooled. Keep in a covered container for about a week.
Notes
**Chop apples and almonds finely, not more than 1/4″ around.
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Tried these the other day. Excellent!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed them!