homemade granola bars Archives - Inside BruCrew Life

No Bake Fruity Pebbles Granola Bars

April 11, 2013 31 Comments

Looking for a no bake treat that is good for school lunches or after school snacks? These No Bake Fruity Pebbles Granola Bars will work for any snack time treat.

We like granola bars. They are an easy snack to have on hand for any time of day. I have been making these no bake M&M Granola Bars for a while now. I love how easy they are to put together.

When I was at the store getting the ingredients for another batch of no bake bars, I happened to see Fruity Pebbles on sale and decided to substitute those for the rice cereal that I usually use. It was a fun and fruity twist to the granola bars. They are so fun and colorful and have that great Fruity Pebbles taste to them.

My favorite part of these bars…they are no bake. That means I can have a pan of homemade granola bars done in under 10 minutes. Then all you have to do is wait for it to set up. A quick trick is to throw the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes, and then you can cut them into bars. My kids had no problem munching on these after school and for breakfast the next day.

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Other fun treats to use for lunch box treats:

Congo Bars

Oatmeal Cream Pies

Whoppers Snack Bars

No Bake Fruity Pebbles Granola Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 24 squares

No Bake Fruity Pebbles Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars get a fun twist from the Fruity Pebbles cereal.

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cups quick oats

2 1/2 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal

Instructions

In a sauce pan combine the butter, honey, and sugar. Cook on low heat until melted and it starts to bubble. Turn the heat down and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Stir together the oats and cereal in a bowl. Pour the hot butter mixture over the top and stir until completely coated. Press the cereal tightly into an 8x8 pan that has been buttered. Let set before cutting into bars. Makes 24 cereal squares.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/04/no-bake-fruity-pebbles-granola-bars/

Shared with: Chic & Crafty, I’m Lovin It, The Scoop,

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: homemade granola bars, no bake bars, Post Fruity Pebbles

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars

March 27, 2013 45 Comments

Homemade granola bars are a quick and easy after school snack. These Strawberry M&M Granola Bars were just the thing for a day full of sports practice.

I had so many random thought going through my head this morning as I edited these pictures bright and early…

1. I love that these granola bars are one of my kids favorite treats. Even their friends ask for more granola bars.

2. Why can’t I just make the same flavor twice? Apparently I have flavor issues…

3. I really should have ironed the fabric before setting up my photo shoot. That crease down the middle is driving me bonkers.

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars, white chocolate M&M's, Strawberry Quik

4. I like candy and chocolate. Enter a healthy breakfast/snack food and what do I do to it? Add M&M’s and drizzle it with chocolate, of course.

5. Where’s the milk or coffee in this picture? I must have been in a hurry to take these pictures and not realized that I never added something to the cup.

6. There were so many green and yellow M&M’s in the bag that I bought. I really wish there had been more pink and purple ones…for some reason I liked eating those colors better.

7. I hope no one thinks these Strawberry M&M Granola Bars look gross. Although I wouldn’t be surprised by emails telling me how much they look like raw meat. It’s pink because of the powdered milk people!!!!

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars, white chocolate M&M's, Strawberry Quik

8. I really wish there were more granola bars in my kitchen today. I guess I know what I am baking later this afternoon But which flavor?

What flavor granola bar should I make next???

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Caramel Apple Granola Bars

Whoppers Snack Bars

Raspberry Hot Chocolate Granola Bars

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 16 granola bars

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are the perfect after school treat. These get their flavor from using powdered strawberry milk. The M&M's and chocolate are just a fun added bonus to snack time.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

2 1/2 cups quick oats

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup Strawberry Quik powder

3/4 cup white chocolate M&M's

1/2 cup miniature marshmallow bits

1/4 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon shortening

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat again. Sift together the flour, oats, salt, and Strawberry Quik. Slowly add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the M&M's and marshmallow bits by hand.
Spread the dough into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350* for 20 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting.
Place white chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 20 seconds and stir. Repeat until chips are melted and smooth. Spoon into a plastic lunch baggie and cut one tip off. Drizzle over the bars in a quick motion. Let set. Store in a sealed container for up to a week. Makes 16 granola bars.

Notes

Regular or M&M's can be substituted if you can't find the white chocolate ones.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/03/strawberry-mm-granola-bars/

Granola Bars from around the web:

Chewy Fudge Granola Bars from Sally’s Baking Addiction
Biscoff Granola Bars from Two Peas and Their Pod

Shared with: What’s Cooking, Time Out, Taste and Tell, Chic & Crafty,

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: after school snacks, homemade granola bars, M&M candies, Nestle Strawberry Quik, snack bars, Strawberry granola bars, white chocolate M&M's

10 Tips For Eating Healthy Lunches on the Go

March 20, 2013 19 Comments

Eating healthy at home can be challenging enough most days. It is so easy to throw out those healthy habits you have developed when you start traveling for vacations. Here are 10 tips for eating healthy lunches on the go to help you maintain your healthy eating. All you need is a plan and the right containers.
1. Bring a cooler with ice packs to store containers of vegetables and fruit. These healthy options will keep you from picking up a candy bar when you stop for gas.
2. Pack plenty of water. You will need to stay hydrated when you are traveling. You could bring some flavor packets to add to the water if you want something different. One benefit of only bringing water is that your children will not drink it as fast as juice. This means less pit stops to slow down your travel time. Plus, water doesn’t stain when it is spilled.
3. Containers with string cheese, hard boiled eggs, and hummus provide great protein snacks to eat with those vegetables in your cooler. cucumbers
4. Crackers, pretzels, chips, and peanuts are a good snack for in between meals. Look for baked options which have a lower fat content. You do need to watch the size of your portions, so you aren’t eating mindless calories.
5. Sandwiches can be made ahead of time on wheat bread and wrapped in Glad Cling Wrap. Make sure to label each sandwich with a sharpie, so you know right away what is on each one. Also, keep them on top of the containers in the cooler. No one likes to eat smashed or soggy sandwiches.
6. Take time to stop when it is time to eat lunch. Find a rest stop with a bathroom and a large grassy area for your kids to run off that extra energy they have from sitting all day. Pull out all the containers of vegetables and cheese for extra sides with those sandwiches.

7. Pack a bag with plates, small containers, forks, knives, and napkins. The small containers are great for portioning out nuts or trail mix in the car. You will want the plates and napkins when you stop for lunch at a rest stop. Wet wipes are another good thing to have in that bag for sticky fingers and mouths.

8. Salads are a great healthy on-the-go option. You can pre-make your salad before you leave using the Glad To Go Lunch containers. The small condiment cup in the middle holds just enough dressing and keeps your salad from getting soggy. Eating healthy can be fast and easy if you think ahead.
9. Make your own granola bars to have on hand for quick breakfast options or for when traffic delays have you stopped for a while.
10. Stop eating when you are full. Listen to your stomach. It is no fun to be traveling in a vehicle with an upset stomach. Watch how many snacks your children are eating too. It is easy to just eat mindlessly when there is nothing else to do in the car.

Packing healthy lunches and snacks for traveling can be quite easy if you are prepared. A week before traveling, start a list of healthy snacks that your family likes to eat. Make sure to buy the right containers and plastic wrap to pack each food in for the drive. You will not have the same eating schedules when traveling, so keep that in mind when buying those lunch items. Packing healthy snacks to eat in the car keeps your metabolism running right until you get to your destination. I love how easy it is to pack for long drives using GladWare and Glad Cling Wrap. The different sized container options that they offer are perfect for the different snacks we like to take on drives. The Cling Wrap is easy to use. I just lay out a piece of Wrap on the counter and make the sandwich right on top. Fold the wrap around the finished sandwich and move on to the next one. It is so easy to make a few different sandwiches for my picky eaters to enjoy on car rides. I am always looking for products that save me time when getting ready to leave for vacation.

How would you like the chance to win weekly prizes from Glad?
Go to the Glad Pinterest Board Contest to Inspire your Lunch with Glad.
Create your own Pinterest board for a chance to win weekly prizes.
(Timing of the Pinterest Board Contest: 3/18 – 4/28)
Steps in entering the contest:
Step 1: Click the Glad photo in the Glad Pinterest Board Contest gallery that most inspires you to get started pinning.
Step 2: Choose “create new board” in the dropdown menu of the Pinterest pop up screen. Title your new board “Inspired Lunches”
Step 3: Find at least 4 photos anywhere on the web that fits the theme of “Inspired Lunches” and pin them to your new board. Include #gladinspiredlunches in your photo description.
Step 4: Once you’ve pinned 5 photos (including one from the Glad Pinterest Gallery) come back to the Glad Pinterest Board Contest to submit your board.

If you make a pinboard in the Glad contest, share your pinboard URL in the comments—I’d love to see what you’ve done! In addition, I’m always looking for inspiration so tell me how you make your inspired lunches.

Visit Glad’s page on BlogHer for more ideas!

Peanut_Butter_Granola_Bars_3-2

No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 16 bars

No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars

No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are more fun with chocolate chips and peanut butter cups.

Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups quick oats

1 cup rice krispie cereal

1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

1 cup chopped miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Instructions

Combine the oats and cereal in a large bowl and set aside. In a large saucepan add the coconut oil, honey, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until melted. Bring to a boil and lower temperature. Simmer for two minutes. Add the peanut butter and vanilla and stir until melted.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and cereal. Stir until thoroughly coated. Let cool for a few minutes before stirring in the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups.
Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9x13 pan. Let cool before cutting into bars. Makes 16 bars.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/03/10-tips-for-eating-healthy-lunches-on-the-go/

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: eating healthy on the go, Glad, Glad Cling Wrap, Glad containers, healthy granola bars, healthy lunch ideas, homemade granola bars, peanut butter cup granola bars

Whoppers Snack Bars

March 10, 2013 64 Comments

These Whoppers Snack Bars are the perfect after school snack for your children. Homemade granola bars are a great way to cut costs when making treats.

These chewy homemade granola bars are filled with chopped Whoppers and then drizzled with chocolate and more candy. Talk about amazing!!! I seriously couldn’t stop sneaking bites.

Whoppers_Snack_Bars, Whoppers, homemade granola bars

Luckily for me (and my jeans), I have three kids who come home ravenous from school every single day. And they know that mom has this crazy sugar gig going on, so there is almost always something delicious waiting on the stove for them to munch on when they burst through that kitchen door. Thank goodness for them saving me from chowing down on all the bars.

I know these have all sorts of candy in them and chocolate drizzled on top, but I like to think that homemade granola bars are a little bit healthier than those hard pre-packaged ones you can buy at the store. At least I know what I have put in them. Please don’t burst my bubble and tell me I am sugaring up my children every day. They eat plenty of veggies and fruit every single week, and they are active in sports. Moderation is the key here.

Whoppers_Snack_Bars, Whoppers, homemade granola bars

These bars are nothing like the store bought ones. Clearly!

You start with a sugar and butter base…sounds good so far right? Then add in the basics, like eggs, flour, and oats. This is when you can start to have fun with the recipe. I use this base for all my bars. It is fun to see what you can create. These Caramel Oatmeal Bars have caramel bits and potato chips in them. So think outside the box and add in your favorite candies or snacks. I have a few more versions to make before the school year is over.

Or just make these Whoppers Granola Bars and watch your kids smile when they get home from school. Just don’t do any taste testing before the kids get there…you might decide to hide the bars and pull out the apples for the kids to munch on while you hide in the closet with your new granola bar BFF

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Looking for more after school snacks? My kids recommend these recipes.

Apple Nachos

Raspberry Hot Chocolate Granola Bars

Best Banana Cake

Whoppers Snack Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Yield: 32 bars

Whoppers Snack Bars

Homemade granola bars made with Whoppers candy is a fun snack to come home to.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup malt powder (like Ovaltine)

1 1/2 cups flour

2 1/2 cups quick oats

3/4 cup chopped Whoppers candy

1 cup miniature marshmallow bits

3 ounces melting chocolate (I use chocolate CandiQuik)

1/2 cup chopped Whoppers (for garnish)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla and salt and mix again. In a bowl, sift together the flour, malt powder, and oats. Slowly add to the butter mixture. Stir in the candy pieces and marshmallow bits by hand.
Spread the batter in a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350* for 22 minutes. Cool completely. Cut into 32 small squares.
Melt the chocolate according to package directions. Spoon into a plastic bag and cut the tip off one corner. Drizzle over bars and top with extra chopped candy. Let set. Store in a sealed container for 4-5 days.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/03/whoppers-snack-bars/

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: after school snacks, homemade granola bars, oat bars, Whoppers

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Granola Bars

November 28, 2012 54 Comments

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Granola Bars

Well, winter is officially here. Snow was on the ground yesterday morning. It was only a very light dusting…you could really only see in on the piles of leaves and on the rooftops. But it was enough to get my kids super excited. My son is hoping for lots of the powdery white stuff this winter. Is it bad that I am wishing against snow? Last year we only had one big snowfall. That’s my kind of winter;-)

When snow comes, I think about hot chocolate. We almost always have a big container of the powdered stuff in the cupboards. We used to buy the little boxes with the packets because they were convenient and the kids could easily make their own. But then we realized how much hot chocolate they go through that way. It is actually cheaper to buy one of those bigger containers…that way you aren’t paying for all the packaging. [Read more...]