We go through several boxes of granola bars every month in our household, so by learning how to make our own we save about $16-$20 a month. Have you seen how much granola bars cost recently? After much experimentation and research, I came up with a recipe that works fabulously for frugal homemade chewy granola bars. The best part — no high fructose corn syrup! Most of these ingredients can be found at Big Lots or other discount grocery stores.

To make your own homemade chewy granola bars, you will need:
For Granola:
2 cups oats
3/4 cup puffed rice cereal
3/4 cup sunflower seeds, salted and roasted
1 cup crushed peanuts, salted and roasted
1/2 cup raisins
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
4 Tbsp. butter
2 tsp vanilla extract

For Chocolate Sauce:
1/4 semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. shortening

Spread oats on a baking sheet and toast in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes.  Be sure to stir them every few minutes to avoid burning.  Once oats are done toasting, set aside and turn off the oven.  Line a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish with wax paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small sauce pan over medium heat, mix the brown sugar, honey, butter and vanilla. Stir frequently, until butter is melted and brown sugar is dissolved. Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Add the melted butter and sugar mixture and mix all ingredients very well.

Spread the granola out into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.  Add a sheet of wax paper to the top and press down firmly to make sure your bars are well compacted.  Let cool completely (about 2 hours).

Add chocolate chips and shortening to a double boiler and stir constantly until melted. Drissle chocolate over granola.  Allow to firm up (about 20 minutes).

Carefully transfer granola onto a large cutting board and cut using a very sharp knife and pressing down firmly to make a clean cut. Makes 16 good-sized bars. Store in an air-tight container.

Photos by Valerie Deneen

Valerie Deneen lives with her fabulous husband, two beautiful daughters, and two slightly neurotic cats.  She blogs daily at Frugal Family Fun Blog with tips to save money and have plenty of good times on a budget.