¼cupBrown granulated sweetener that measures like sugar
4tablespoonsButter (full fat or low fat)
2cupsQuick cooking oats
¼cupSugar free milk chocolate chips
¼cupSugar free dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Line a 9 inch x9 inch pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sweetener, honey, butter, and peanut butter. Cook over medium-high speed until smooth, stirring constantly.
Add in the oats and stir to combine.
Transfer the granola bars to the prepared pan and spread them out into a thin layer. Press down slightly to pack the granola bars into the bottom of the pan
Next, scatter the chocolate chips on top and press them into the bars.
Transfer the granola bars to the fridge and allow them to set for at least two hours.
Slice into 9 bars with a clean sharp knife (cleaning in between each slice! Store granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
Peanut Butter: Try to buy Natural Peanut Butter, or No Added Sugar Peanut Butter. The peanut butter helps to bind the ingredients together and to balance out the sweetness.
Honey: There are so many different types of honey in the supermarket and they often taste vastly different. I like to pay a little more for a better quality honey as it tends to have a better flavour profile. Look for ones that state on the label “Pure Honey”, or “100% Honey”.
Brown sweetener: This adds additional sweetness and the amount you add can be varied depending on your tastes. I found ¼ of a cup to be right for me, but feel free to adjust accordingly. The brown sweeteners I’ve used are Lakanto Monkfruit Golden, Natvia Golden, or Whole Earth Brown Sugar Replacement (my favourite). All of which are natural sweeteners and available from Woolworths in Australia. Alternatively the white varieties of natural sweeteners (natvia, lakanto,stevia whole earth) can also be used. The important this is that it’s a granulated sweetener that measures like sugar.
Butter: Butter adds a richness and creaminess to the bars and helps to create a stickiness with the oats. Full fat or low fat, even dairy free butter works, however I find there is slightly more flavour in the bars with full fat butter.
Quick Cooking Oats: These are the ones you can microwave in a minute or so and they are cooked. They are great for this recipe as they are smaller than traditional oats and tend to combine a little better with the rest of the ingredients. However if you only have the large style oats, these will also work.
Sugar Free Chocolate Chips: I use a combination of milk and dark chocolate chips in these bars. Alternatively sugar free bars chopped into small pieces would work, or using the darkest chocolate chips you can find (skipping the regular milk chocolate chips) could also be an option. You can also use just one type of chocolate either dark or milk.