Homemade Chewy Pecan, Raisin and Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat flour*, or 1 cup quick oats finely ground
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with two long pieces of parchment paper so the edges overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick oil.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in the egg, then add the honey, applesauce, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Using a spatula or your hands, fold the dry flour mixture and the quick oats into the wet mixture until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Stir in the chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped pecans.
5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing evenly to create a uniform thickness.
6. Bake for 23–25 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. The bars may look slightly soft in the center when they come out; they will firm up as they cool.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate until firm before cutting. Chilling helps the bars hold together better.
8. To slice, use a long serrated bread knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion. Cut into bars or squares as desired.

Notes

*Use gluten-free oats and oat flour if you need a gluten-free recipe. To make oat flour at home, pulse quick or rolled oats in a food processor or blender until fine.

Nutrition