Satisfy your snack cravings the healthy way with these Low Fat Cranberry Chocolate Chip Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome rolled oats, crunchy puffed rice cereal, and naturally sweetened with honey and unsweetened applesauce, these bars deliver a delightful balance of chewy and crispy textures. bursts of dried cranberries and a sprinkle of semi-sweet chocolate chips add just the right touch of sweetness. Infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors, these guilt-free granola bars are baked to golden perfection in just 20 minutes and make an ideal on-the-go breakfast, post-workout snack, or midday energy boost. With a low-fat profile and easy, straightforward preparation, this recipe is sure to become your favorite homemade snack!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, puffed rice cereal, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, unsweetened applesauce, and light brown sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling (about 2–3 minutes).
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula to carefully mix until the oats and other ingredients are thoroughly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Press it down firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands (you can use a piece of wax paper to avoid sticking).
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the pan cool completely on a wire rack (this can take about 1–2 hours to allow the bars to set).
Once cooled, lift the granola slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 12 equal bars.
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Calories |
1433 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.7 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 624 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 284.4 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.7 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 140.6 g | ||
| Protein | 32.4 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 114 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 857 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.