I started baking these granola bars for Chris. Chris and I have been dating for over 3 years and our eating habits could not be more different. I finally convinced him of the importance of eating breakfast; problem is he doesn’t have much time in the morning. Homemade granola bars are a great option for him because he keeps them in the freezer and just grabs one on his way out the door.

These are fully customizable. Add whatever nuts, fruit, or baking chips you have on hand.

Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Note: I personally think these are sweet enough to double as dessert. However, I wouldn’t reduce the sweetener because the bars will fall apart without enough liquid to hold them together.

8 oz old-fashioned rolled oats

1 oz wheat germ (toasted) or ground flax seed

1.5 oz sunflower seeds

2 oz walnut pieces

dash of salt

1 oz melted butter

1.75 oz brown sugar

1/4 cup peanut butter

6 oz maple syrup, honey, agave, simple syrup (any liquid sweetener)

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup chocolate chips

Combine oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, walnuts and salt.

Mix together butter, brown sugar, peanut butter, sweetener of choice, and vanilla.

Add the liquid to the oat mixture and mix until fully combined. Add chocolate chips.

Spread in a greased 9 x 9 inch pan.

Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown at 300 degrees.