For long-lasting energy on the go, these chewy chocolate pecan chip granola bars are packed with nutrients and whole grains.
It will be a sad day when my three-year-old stops referring to granola bars as “nilly bars.” Whether we’re heading out the door to the gym or racing to an appointment, it’s almost a guarantee that he will ask for a nilly bar the minute we get in the car.
How can I blame him? Granola bars are the perfect portable snack and easy to customize with your family’s favorite dried fruits, nuts, seeds and other mix-ins. We had a giant bag of pecan chips just begging to be used so during one of our frequent early morning bake-a-thons, we cooked nilly bars together.
Chewy, soft and packed with protein and whole grains, they are much tastier and certainly a lot cheaper than anything you’ll buy at the store. If you don’t love pecans, walnuts or almonds would work. No cherries? Use raisins. No matter what you use, your family will be so thrilled you made a fresh batch of nilly bars.
No forks required.
Chewy Chocolate Pecan Chip Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats – old fashioned
- 1 cup Diamond of California Pecan Chips
- ½ cup flax seed meal
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 3 egg whites whisked
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅓ cup dried cherries
- 6 dried figs chopped
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, pecans, flax seed, cinnamon and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg whites and vanilla. Pour liquid mixture over the oats and stir well.
- Add cherries, figs and chocolate chips to the mixture and stir once more until ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Using a rubber spatula, spread the granola mixture evenly in the baking dish pressing firm so that granola bars are in a flat, even layer.
- Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting
I have always wanted to try homemade granola bars. They looks so easy and delicious!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you try them!! You’d love them girl!
Joanne
Ummm I am totally calling these nilly bars from now on. SO CUTE.
Liz DellaCroce
haha you must call them nilly bars!!
fabiola@notjustbaked
I LOVE granola bars in all forms, especially healthy and filling ones. I take them camping, hiking, and road tripping!
Liz DellaCroce
You and me both!! They never last long in our house!
Marly
These chewy granola bars look WAY better than anything you can buy at the store. And pecans? Don’t even get me started. Love those!
Liz DellaCroce
I wish I could send you a batch!
Beverley
nilly bars they are! love that and I need to make them soon. I used to make my own bars years ago for my boys when they lived at home for packed lunches. Sometimes they would ask for 2 until I found out they were taking them to school for their friends! ha ha xoxo
Liz DellaCroce
That is so cute they were doing that!!
eat good 4 life
Oh wow, this is totally up my alley. A great snack or healthy sweet treat. I am sure this can also be made gluten free!
Liz DellaCroce
If you use gluten free oats you’re good to go!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
Chocolate and pecans are one of my favourite combos! Another winner here! :)
Liz DellaCroce
I love them together too!!
Annalise @ Completely Delicious
You are killing it with the granola bars lately! YUM!
Liz DellaCroce
I can’t stop making snacks – haha!!
Lily Lau
Oh my, I need these bars to become true in my kitchen as soon as possible!
Jessica @ Golden Brown and Delicious
I love homemade granola bars! The endless possibilities always draw me in, but this combo looks divine!
Amelia @ Eating Made Easy
Liz, these are SO up my alley! I was just thinking about how all I eat are smoothies, salads, granola bars, nut butter and ice cream. That’s all I need in life :)
Liz DellaCroce
haha That is the truth!!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
These are absolutely perfect for snacking on the go! I love all the nutritious things going on!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you my sweet friend!
Lynda@Me and My Pink Mixer
Your son is a smart boy – Nilly bars would make any road trip better! I love making homemade granola bars, so pinning this recipe to try soon!
Liz DellaCroce
hahah I love seeing Nilly bars in a comment!!!
Shawnna
I love granola bars!! Homemade would even be better!!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you try them!
Julia
Will loves granola bars but I don’t make them as much as I should. I love that you can control the ingredients in them. I am putting these on my list to try with him. Pinning!
Liz DellaCroce
Your boys would love these Julia!
sheila
another great snack recipe!!
Liz DellaCroce
I can’t stop snacking!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
I dub thee the granola bar queen! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
haha I CANT STOP!! Quick – pass me a sloppy mushroom goat cheese fest!
Erin@WellPlated
I love that he calls them “nilly bars”! So cute. I might start myself. I’m hooked on homemade granola bars right now, so these babies are going into the rotation!
Liz DellaCroce
I need to make him your banana oatmeal bars again!!!
Aggie
Love that new picture of you up there! <3
And these granola bars look perfect. Not going to mention for the gazillionth time that I still have not made homemade granola bars. (hanging head in shame.)
Liz DellaCroce
Dude. YOU HAVENT MADE HOMEMADE GRANOLA BARS???!?! Thank you for noticing the new pic :)
ashley - baker by nature
YUM! We have a ton of traveling coming up next week, so I think a double batch of nilly bars is a must ;)
Liz DellaCroce
You must make them!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
“Nilly Bars” has got to be the cutest thing that I have ever heard!
And these bars look perfect for busy mornings or snacks. I always need some healthy, easy protein sources to send with the hubs! Pinned!
Liz DellaCroce
haha… you can call them nilly bars too!! :)