I created these chewy granola bars while searching for a healthful, portable snack for my family. I often get recipe requests when I bring them to our kids’ athletic events and school bake sales.
—JANIS LOOMIS MADISON, VA
PREP: 10 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 2 DOZEN
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons reduced-fat peanut butter
1 egg white
1 tablespoon fat-free evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
1/3 cup vanilla or white chips
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1. In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and allspice; stir into sugar mixture. Stir in the oats, cereal, chips, cranberries and walnuts.
2. Press into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.
PER SERVING 109 cal., 3 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 1 mg chol., 57 mg sodium, 20 g carb., 2 g fiber, 3 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.