Very Berry Granola Bars (with a Shortcut)
Although this post is sponsored by Welch’s® Frozen Fruits, all opinions are my own.
Are you looking for a snack that your kids will love and you will feel good giving to them?
Finding snacks that are mom-approved that my kids love to eat can be a challenge. I’m thrilled that these Very Berry Granola Bars are both!
These homemade granola bars are packed with antioxidant rich fruit and they make the perfect after school snack.
I love that these granola bars are not overly sweet, like so many store-bought granola bars can be.
I like to save my sugary treats for dessert. For snack time, I’m just looking for something that packs a powerful, nutritious punch and tastes delicious enough that my whole family enjoys it.
Making homemade granola bars is easier than it sounds. This recipe is so versatile and it can be thrown together even when you are short on time.
To make these granola bars simple, we used Welch’s 48oz Antioxidant Blend. We are notorious for having fresh fruit go bad in my house. Even when I buy it with a plan in mind, like creating these granola bars, I rarely get around to making them when I originally planned on it.
Welch’s Frozen Fruit lets me have perfectly ripe fruit ready when I need it and I don’t have to worry about any food waste. We always keep several varieties on hand for smoothies but I also love having them on hand for recipes like these homemade granola bars.
I love the quality I get with Welch’s Frozen Fruit. I can’t always say the same when I buy fresh or many other brands. Most of the time I find that it can be more affordable to buy frozen too, especially when the fruit I want is not in season, so that’s definitely a bonus.
You can find Welch’s Frozen Fruit at most local retailers. These were picked up during a quick trip to Meijer.
Once you have your freezer stocked with frozen fruit, most of the rest of the ingredients needed to make these granola bars are probably things you already have on hand.
Bring your Kids into the Kitchen
I have a few picky eaters. Hopefully you aren’t in the same boat, but I’m guessing you probably have at least some experience with picky eaters too. The best trick I’ve found to get my picky eaters to try new foods and eat a larger variety of foods is to bring them into the kitchen with me.
Kids are so much more likely to try a new food if they helped make it and cooking is a great way to teach kids important skills.
Ingredients
5 cups oatmeal (quick cook oats is fine)
1 cup apple sauce (used unsweetened)
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups Welch’s Frozen Fruits 48oz Antioxidant Blend, thawed
Preparation
Preheat oven to 300. Grease a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
Add oatmeal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
In a smaller mixing bowl, add apple sauce, milk, honey, cinnamon and butter. Stir well.
Add wet ingredients to oatmeal and mix well. This is a great task to pass off to your kids. I know my kids never turn down the chance to stir.
Press half of oatmeal mixture into prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Top with Welch‘s Frozen Fruits Antioxidant Blend fruit and spread evenly in pan.
Add remaining oatmeal mixture to the fruit and press gently together.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Makes 18 bars.
If your house is anything like mine, these won’t last long!
You can receive a $1 off coupon for Welch’s Frozen Fruits from October 1st to November 30th here! Share your favorite recipe prepared with Welch’s Frozen Fruits!
What’s your favorite snack to make for your kids?
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