So my kids are granola bar lovers. They could polish off a value size box of granola bars in a single day if I let them. Now beside the fact that prepackaged granola bars aren’t that healthy, they aren’t that cheap either! I decided to take matters into my own hands and make some wholesome and good for you trail mix bars that they could snack on without my having too much guilt! Of course, because they are children they love everything chocolate, and as I was checking out at Walmart the other day I saw this display just on the other side of the register (the wrong side in my opinion) and sent my oldest over to grab one of each before the woman could finish ringing me up. I knew that these dark chocolate covered real fruit snacks were going to be the perfect addition to my trail mix bars. I could fool the children into thinking they were getting a “treat” while keeping my mommy guilt at bay.
Luckily I had all the rest of the ingredients I needed at home so after the groceries were unloaded I set about making some trail mix bars for my kids. Now if you don’t have these exact ingredients don’t fret. Chunky peanut butter works the same as creamy, and omitting the flax won’t make a noticeable difference. I do like to keep a bag of flax around though because you can sneak it into so many different recipes for an added nutrition boost!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups your favorite nuts
- 1 1/2 cup dry oatmeal
- 1/3 cup ground flax
- 1 bag DOVE® Fruit (I like the cranberry ones best!)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, melted
First things first, line an 8×8 baking pan with wax or parchment paper. Let it hang over the sides to use for removing the bars when they are finished.
In a food processor (or blender), grind the nuts for about into small pieces, but leave some large chunks for texture. Then in a large bowl, combine the oats, ground flax, chopped nuts, and Dove® Fruit. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
Mix together melted peanut butter and honey in a small bowl and pour over the dry ingredients. Mix until each bit is fully coated. Scoop the mixture into prepared baking dish and press firmly until the top is completely even. You’ll want to pack it down nice and tight.
Place dish into the refrigerator to set for about an hour. Then carefully cut into 16 squares. These trail mix bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days and in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Although, they probably won’t last that long.
If you want to see more great DOVE® Fruit recipe ideas check out the DOVE® Fruit social hub. AND you can also download a coupon to save on your DOVE® purchase here!
This looks incredible! I’m drooling right now. Pinned and tweeted. We are so thrilled to have you at our party. Please stop by on Monday at 7, so we can see your amazing projects. Lou Lou Girls
That looks super yummy! Love homemade granola bars as opposed to the ones store bought & full of sugar & hydrogenated oils…
Thanks for sharing this on this week’s Mom 2 Mom Link Up Party 🙂 Hope you join us again, Rachael @ Diamonds in the Rough
These granola bars look really good! i’ll give them a try! Thank you for linking up at #PureBloglove Link Party! The party begins every Thursday night at 8 p.m. EST. and runs through the week end. I’m hosting at http://www.homemadefoodjunkie.com. I would love to see more of your ideas!
My kids love trail mix bars. I’m sure they are going to love these! Thanks for linking up the recipe at This Is How We Roll Thursday.
I would call these decadent!!!
Thanks for stopping by to link and share on The Oh My Heartsie Girl WW this week!!
We appreciate you shared your blog with us!!
Have a great week, Karren~Host
These look delicious! I love those Dove candies, too. Nom.
Thank you for sharing! My daughter is so going to love this.
-FarZain
@http://colorsofourrainbow.blogspot.ae/
I’ve got to replenish my honey jar today so I think these are definitely on the schedule for some weekend snack! #client
I seriously need to try these right now, I’m starving!