Each week, my sister asks me to make her the vegan chocolate chip granola bars. This recipe comes from the Everyday Happy Herbivore cookbook. There are different variations of the recipe. I chose to add the peanut butter option because I am in love with peanut butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 c instant oats
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 3 tbsp agave nectar
• 2 tbsp vegan chocolate chips
• 1 to 2 tbsp raw sugar (this is optional.  I do add it and use sucanat)

 
Directions:

1. Stir all ingredients together in a mixing bowl.  They will appear too dry fast, but they are not — keep stroking.
2. Once combined, let the batter rest while the oven preheats to 325°F.
3. Grease a bread pan and pack the mixture down firmly and tightly.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden, firm and light brown on the edges.
5. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

 
Variations:

Peanut Butter Granola Bars – Substitute 1 tablespoon of peanut butter for 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Combine peanut butter with applesauce and heat in the microwave for 10 seconds so peanut butter softens. Whisk together and use as directed.

Side Note:

You can send rolled oats through a food processor to grind them down into instant-oat consistency.

Nutritional Information (per bar):

Granola Bars:  99 calories, 2g fat, 19.6 carbs, 1.1g fiber, 13.5g sugar, 1.6g protein

Peanut Butter Granola Bars:  145 calories, 3.9g fat, 25.3g carbs, 2.1g fiber, 13.6g sugar, 3.3g protein