No-Bake Granola Bars

Makes: About 1 dozen

Time: About 15 minutes

F M O

There’s been plenty of disputing granola’s status as a health food, and for good reason, since much of what you buy is loaded with sweeteners. When you make your own, and use it to make these snack bars, the results are immeasurably superior. You can also make these with raw oats — the result will be chewier and simpler.

• ¼ cup good-quality olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 3 cups The Best Granola (page 421) or rolled oats
• ¾ cup honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• Pinch salt

1. Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with oil. If using oats, toast them if you like: Spread in a rimmed baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden.
2. Put the granola in a large heatproof bowl. Bring the honey, brown sugar, ¼ cup oil, and salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Pour this over the granola and mix until everything is well coated, working quickly while the liquid is still warm.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and let chill completely in the fridge. Cut into squares or rectangles. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars Your own power bar: Substitute ½ cup peanut butter (or any other nut butter) for the brown sugar and oil; heat only the honey or maple syrup and whisk in the nut butter immediately after you remove it from the heat.

Coconut Granola Bars Toast the coconut beforehand for a warmer, sweeter flavor: Stir the granola with ¾ cup shredded coconut, then toss to coat in the brown sugar mixture.

Maple-Cinnamon Granola Bars Stir 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon into the granola. Use maple syrup. Add up to 1¼ cups chopped pecans if you like. V

Baked Oat Bars Like a cross between a granola bar and a cookie: Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a rimmed baking sheet. Melt 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) butter and let cool before mixing with the granola, honey, sugar, and 2 egg whites; omit the oil. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.