Playgroup Granola Bars are chewy, wholesome bars kids love and parents trust. Oats, wheat germ, and a touch of honey bind together with raisins for a snack you can batch-make and send with lunchboxes or pack for outings.
Prep Time: 15 mins • Cook Time: 35 mins • Total Time: 50 mins • Yield: 24 bars • Servings: 24
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup raisins (optional — swap for chopped dried apricots or cranberries)
- ½ cup wheat germ
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, raisins, wheat germ, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to blend.
Step 3
Make a well in center of dry mix. Add honey, vegetable oil, beaten egg, and vanilla. Mix using your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly moistened and holds together.
Step 4
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan so bars will hold together when sliced.
Step 5
Bake 30–35 minutes until edges turn golden. Remove and let cool 5 minutes, then cut into 24 bars while still slightly warm. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Cook’s Note
- For nut-free playgroup snacks, skip nuts and add 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds for texture.
- For chewier bars, remove from oven a few minutes sooner; for crunchier bars, bake a little longer.
- To make them vegan: substitute the egg with 3 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 9 Tbsp water (let sit 5 min).
How to Store
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze wrapped bars up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (per bar approx.)
Calories 161 • Total Fat 6g • Saturated Fat 1g • Cholesterol 8mg • Sodium 79mg • Carbohydrate 27g • Fiber 1g • Sugars 16g • Protein 2g