It’s hard to believe, but another month has gone by and it’s already time for Secret Recipe Club again!
Members of the Secret Recipe Club are assigned a blog each month. Who has who is a secret until reveal day (today!). The mission is to choose a recipe from the assigned blog, make it, and share it!
This month I was assigned Mary Kay’s blog, Homemade Cravings. Mary Kay is rural New Jersey mom who loves to cook for her family. She’s got a ton of great “Quick and Easy” dishes.
I’ve been eating a lot of granola bars lately, so when I saw Mary Kay’s recipe for a homemade version, I had to try it. I like knowing they aren’t full of processed ingredients! The original version of these had chocolate chips, but I decided to mix it up with some cinnamon chips instead.
Cinnamon Chip Granola Bars
- 2 cups oatmeal
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp ground flax seed
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup cinnamon chips
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray.
Combine first 6 ingredients in large mixing bowl.
Combine the peanut butter and honey in a small bowl and microwave 30 seconds, until melty. Stir in the egg. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the oatmeal mixture and use a spoon or your hands to thoroughly combine. Press evenly into prepared pan.
Bake 25-30 minutes until edges are browning. Cool 5 minutes, then slice into bars. Leave sliced bars in the pan until completely cool.
My bars came out a little dry and crumbly, and I’m not sure if I baked them too long, or if there wasn’t enough of the wet ingredients. Next time I would try adding extra honey and peanut butter, or cut the flour down a little. Nevertheless, the flavor was awesome. The cinnamon went great with the nuts and oats, and reminded me of a cobbler topping!
Lauren Everson says
These sounds fantastic! I think I’ll have to make these for my husband and his adventure racing group.
Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines says
What a great SRC pick~ Happy Reveal Day~ Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
I love granola bars! I haven’t seen cinnamon chips, so I’m going to have to look for them. They sound like a perfect addition.
jessfuel says
They’re made by Hershey’s… so yummy!
Couscous & Consciousness says
Funnily enough I make my own granola all the time, and yet I never think to make granola bars. I love the sound of these, especially with those cinnamon chips – if only I could get those here.
Melissa says
Sounds like the perfect breakfast treat! Great pick this month π
Sarah E says
Looks delicious! I really need to make my own. I’ve only tried one recipe and it was a dud. These look perfect π
Happy reveal day!
Emily @ Life on Food says
I really need to get on making my own granola bars. I don’t know why I haven’t yet. Cinnamon chips make everything oh so yummy. Great pick!!
Kelsey @ K&K Test Kitchen says
I’m adding these to my list of things to make this week! They sound delightful. Great pick for SRC this month!
SallyBR says
I think bars can be pretty tricky to get just right – I made granola bars only once, and like you, I had some problem to judge when they were done. But, as you said, taste is what really matters!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
Oh yeah, these babies look GOOD!
Rebekah @ Making Miracles says
Mmm… homemade granola bars – yummy!! Those look like a great ice cream topper too! π
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
HOW have I never heard of cinnamon chips!? What a perfect addition to granola bars. These sound delicious Jess. I just love granola bars : )
jessfuel says
They’re made by Hershey’s! They’re usually out in a display around the holidays, but some supermarkets have them all year round!
Nicole (@hapatite) says
I have almost all of these ingredients in my pantry at this very moment! I’ve been trying to find a good granola bar recipe because the ones I see in the store are expensive and too sweet. I’ve also found that the recipes I try tend to be too dry and crumbly. Maybe there is a happy medium between too sweet and dry?
Asiya @ Chocolate and Chillies says
We love granola bars in our family…we go through them quickly! I’ve tried a couple of versions and while they were tasty , they didn’t hold together very well. I think the peanut butter in your version would solve the problem. Cinnamon chips sound wonderful….we don’t get those in Canada. Look forward to trying these out soon!
jessfuel says
I wonder if you could order them online? They’re worth checking for!! π
bakingaddict says
Love granola bars especially homemade ones and these contain 2 of my favourite ingredients – peanut butter and cinnamon. Yes please! Great SRC pick.
Erin @ Table for 7 says
Homemade granola bars are the best! They look delicious..great choice π
Stephanie says
I really love cinnamon and butterscotch chips. I bet this was fantastic
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
Cinnamon chips, what a fantastic addition ti granola bars. I so rarely use them and it’s a crying shame that I forget they exist.
avril says
yup, these little treasures look and sound fabulous! I seriously have TWO whole bags of cinnamon chips in my baking stash as they are one of all time favs to use in my baking adventures. Great SRC pick!!!
Tara says
LOVE cinnamon chips! Still haven’t made my own granola bars. Definitely adding these to the list.
Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories says
Goodness these look so good. And every time I see your cute photo of you and your pilot I just smile. You guys are adorable.
jessfuel says
Hehe… thanks! π
Mary Kay @ Homemade Cravings says
Boy do we love those granola bars around here! Love the change up, will have to try that next time!
JJ - 84thand3rd says
hee too funny that I made your granola bars and you made someone else’s! These sound great (and even better broken up over fruit like a cobbler :D)
nicole @ I am a Honey Bee says
always looking for great recipes to make breakfast/snacks in advance. This is a winner!!!
Gotta make a big batch ASAP
PS-
email me your address. musselman’s original winner never emailed me. gonna send you some apple butter