Nut-free Brown Sugar Chocolate Granola Bar Recipe

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ – 2 cup quick-cooking oats form the hearty base of these granola bars, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. These oats are the perfect canvas for the rich flavors of chocolate and brown sugar.
• 1 cup mini dark chocolate chips adds a decadent sweetness, making these bars irresistible to chocolate enthusiasts. Each bite bursts with rich chocolate flavor, creating a delightful indulgence.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon introduces warm, aromatic notes that complement the other flavors, enhancing the overall taste. The subtle spice of cinnamon adds depth and complexity to these granola bars.
• 1 teaspoon maca root powder not only provides an energy boost but also contributes to overall health and wellness. This superfood powder adds a nutritious kick to these granola bars, making them a wholesome snack option.
• 1 teaspoon cacao powder known for its anti-inflammatory properties, brings a rich chocolate flavor to these bars. Made from ground cacao beans, this powder adds a deep, intense chocolatey taste to each bite.
• ½ teaspoon salt balances the sweetness of the other ingredients, ensuring a well-rounded taste. This pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the oats, chocolate, and brown sugar, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory.

Wet Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter adds richness and moisture to the granola bars, creating a soft and chewy texture.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar adds a natural sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in a chewy texture that’s perfect for granola bars. The rich, caramel-like flavor of brown sugar adds depth and complexity to these bars.
• 1/4 cup honey lends its natural sweetness and helps create a deliciously chewy texture. This golden liquid sweetens the granola bars and provides a sticky consistency that holds everything together.
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract infuse the bars with a warm, aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile. The fragrant aroma of vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and depth to these homemade granola bars.

Instructions

1. Line the bottom of a square baking pan with parchment paper. Opt for a larger pan if you prefer thinner bars or a smaller pan for thicker bars.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: oats, chocolate chips, cinnamon, maca powder, cacao powder and salt. Be sure to mix thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. In a sauce pan, begin to melt the half stick of butter. Once melted, add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey and vanilla extract on top. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to mix well until blended.
4. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and use a large spoon to combine them until evenly mixed. Be sure to incorporate all the dry oats to ensure a cohesive mixture. If the mixture seems too wet, add more oats to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Transfer mixture to the prepared square baking pan and use a square of parchment paper to press it down firmly and evenly. This will help to compact the mixture and ensure that the bars hold together well.
6. Cover the baking pan and refrigerate for at least one hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the bars to set and firm up.
7. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into individual portions. For portability, wrap each bar in parchment paper or store them in an airtight container.