If you are anything like our families, Granola bars are an absolute dietary necessity.  More or less, they are an essential part of our children’s food groups.  While the gigantic box of chewy bars from the local box-store may be convenient, they can have a ton of added sugar, various oils, and it’s pretty difficult to distinguish good ones that are allergy free when attempting to provide a snack for a soccer team.  One easy way to eliminate the guess work is to make your own granola bars! This easy recipe below allows for a ton of variations, so try different combos!

BASE INGREDIENTS
2½ cups old-fashioned oats
2½ cups rice cereal
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup honey
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla

CHOCOLATE CHIP
½ cup chocolate chips

APPLE CINNAMON
½ cup dried apples
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

CHERRY ALMOND
½ cup sliced almonds
½ cup dried cherries

PEANUT BUTTER CRUNCH
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup pretzels, crushed
½ cup chocolate candies

PREPARATION

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, rice cereal, coconut oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla until evenly mixed.

2. For chocolate chip, take ¼ of the oats mix and combine with chocolate chips.

3. Stir until mixed and move the mixture to a small baking dish.

4. For Apple Cinnamon, take ¼ of the oats mix and combine with dried apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until mixed and move the mixture to a small baking dish.

5. For Cherry Almond, take ¼ of the oats mix and combine with almonds and cherries. Stir until mixed and move the mixture to a small baking dish.

6. For Peanut Butter Crunch, take ¼ of the oats mix and combine with pretzels, peanut butter, and chocolate candies. Stir until mixed and move the mixture to a small baking dish.

7. Bake each bar mixture at 350°F/175°C for 5-8 minutes.

8. Let granola cool and then cut into desired bar shape.

9. Enjoy!

To see the recipe online or to find other awesome family friendly recipes, check out www.buzzfeed.com/tasty