Chewy Granola Balls
on Nov 29, 2012, Updated Oct 25, 2023
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
I’m always on the prowl for easy, semi-healthy ideas for snacks and breakfasts. A couple weeks ago, when cleaning off my bookshelf, I found an old Christmas Cookies 2007 magazine from Better Homes and Gardens that I forgot I had. I found so many delicious ideas in it. This recipe for Chewy Granola Bars caught my attention immediately, and they were as good as expected. And pretty easy to make, too!
Chewy Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups wheat and rice cereal flakes {I used non- GMO Kashi Strawberry Fields}
- 2 cups regular rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit bits {I used pineapple, mango, apricots - craisins would also be great!}
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light-color corn syrup {Wholesome Sweetners Organic Light Corn Syrup is supposed to be GMO free}
- 1/2 cup peanut butter {I used creamy, but I think crunchy would be better}
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Line 2 large cookie sheets with waxed paper.
- Toast nuts by spreading them in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes, until they are slightly golden brown. Stir once or twice during baking.
- Mix cereal, oats, dried fruit, and almonds in a large bowl.
- Combine brown sugar and corn syrup in a small saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and almond extract. Mix until combined. Then add to cereal mixture and toss to coat.
- Shape cereal mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls. {You may need to mix the cereal mixture with your hands to get it nicely coated}. Place balls on cookie sheet and let them stand at room temperature for an hour or for as long as you can stand it.
- Yields about 3 dozen granola balls.
These yummy little balls were a huge hit – perfect for a quick snack or breakfast, and I think they will be a great addition to the Christmas Cookie Platter.
