Monday 5 August 2013

Breakfast Bars (Granola Bars)

I am really started to like Nigella's recipes because they are all so absolutely fuss free. The Nutella Cheesecake in my last post was probably the easiest cheesecake I've made and here's another easy peasy recipe for breakfast bars or granola bars. 


I normally buy these by box from the supermarket, and here in Singapore, they are about $1 to $2 each which isn't cheap. I'm really pleased to have discovered that I can make my own granola bars using healthy oats and nuts and dried fruits. The only thing I am concerned about this recipe is that it uses condensed milk, which I wouldn't call healthy. In future, I could probably substitute with other sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup I reckon. 


Despite the use of condensed milk, this granola bar isn't sweet at all. It's crunchy and flavourful from the mix of oats, cranberries and seeds. The recipe calls for peanuts, but for non-peanut lovers, I think chopped almonds or hazelnuts would make a better filling. The best part is that you can substitute these ingredients for whatever else you like keeping the oats as a base. Use dried apricots or raisins, or whatever type of seeds you prefer. It's definitely a great on-the-go type of snack. 


Breakfast Bars (16 servings)
Recipe by Nigella 

Ingredients
  • 1 x 397 grams can condensed milk
  • 250 grams rolled oats (not instant)
  • 75 grams shredded coconut
  • 100 grams dried cranberries
  • 125 grams mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
  • 125 grams natural unsalted peanuts (I prefer chopped almonds/hazelnuts)

Method
  • Preheat the oven to 130°C/gas mark ½/250ºF, and oil a 23 x 33 x 4cm / 9 x 13 inch baking tin, or use a throwaway foil one.
  • Warm the condensed milk in a large pan.
  • Meanwhile, mix together all the other ingredients and then add the warmed condensed milk, using a rubber or wooden spatula to fold and distribute.
  • Spread the mixture into the tin and press down with the spatula or, better still, your hands (wearing disposable vinyl gloves to stop you sticking), to even the surface.
  • Bake for 1 hour, then remove from the oven and, after about 15 minutes, cut into four across, and four down to make 16 chunky bars. Let cool completely.
This is for Cook Like A Star hosted by Zoe from Bake for Happy Kids, Joyce from Kitchen Flavours and Anuja from Simple Baking

This is for AlphaBakes hosted by The More than Occasional Baker and Caroline Makes.

40 comments:

  1. oh what a great, unique breakfast bar recipe!

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  2. ivy sew http://simplybeautifulhealthyliving.blogspot.com5 August 2013 at 16:27

    Very healthy and nutritious. A bar of this can last me until dinner if I am real busy for meals :)

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  3. I agree that granola bars can be pretty expensive and sometimes they are just not that nice! The granola bars look delicious!

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  4. Hi Mich,
    This recipe was bookmarked to try and planning to make this soon. It looks great! I'm the only one in the family who likes granola bars!

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  5. Very healthy bar. I hope to have it for breakfast tomorrow!

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  6. I also bookmarked to make these healthy bars from Nigella. Really very yummy!

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  7. This looks great, Mich! Do we need to toast the nuts/seeds first?

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  8. Hi Mich! I can imagine how nice this is to go with a bowl of yoghurt. I used to just pour the mixture of dried fruits, nuts & grains into my yoghurt & I esp like to eat with my vanilla yoghurt, making them into bars take a bit more effort but I'm sure it worths it!

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  9. This breakfast bar sounds and looks delicious Mich, especially when you have all combined with condensed milk...yum!
    Have a lovely week ahead :D

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  10. I love Nigella, she makes everything seems so fuss free. I love your granola and it is fresh and so much better than the store purchased kind. Take care, BAM

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  11. Yum, yum ... I love these healthy bars.

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  12. These granola bars look healthful and beautiful!

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  13. Hi Mich,

    I can totally see your point! Why pay if you can make even better granola bars than the commercial ones?

    Zoe

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  14. Just wondering whether can omit the coconut.

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    Replies
    1. Yup that wouldn't make any difference. I don't like coconut either...

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  15. Hi mich,
    I love this too!
    With your sharing now I can make my own too!
    Buying this type of breakfast bars here is super expensive:p
    mui

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  16. I am not so much into bars , but your bars sound so healthy

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  17. Hi Mich, Believe it or not, up until now I've not been tempted to taste any granola bars. However, your recipe here look so delicious, with cranberries and nuts, I am now tempted to try !

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  18. Hi Mich, your healthy breakfast bar look so tempting. Homemade is still better and more flavorful.

    Have a nice week ahead.

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  19. Omg I so want to do this! So glad it worked out really nice for you. But you are right condensed milk doesn't sound healthy :).

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  20. These I could eat EVERYDAY! Thanks for sharing!
    Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com

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  21. This certainly look like those 5-star muesli bars. Awesome!

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  22. Hi Mich! I can't wait to try these. I love making my own breakfast bars. So much healthier and cheaper too. Yours look delicious!

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  23. looks great! i've never attempted granola bars..if you said it isnt sweet, then i think condensed milk is still okay for me..hehe..but if given a choice, i would probably use other sweeteners too :)

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  24. I love these homemade granola bars, homemade is always so much better than the ones you buy.

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  25. Hi Mich! You made your own breakfast bar?! Cool... I think it's healthier as you can control the ingredients and amount you put into your own bar! Nice! :D

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  26. I love anything with oats and nuts so these look just perfect. Great for the kids lunchboxes.

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  27. These look really good. I think I would also substitute using hazelnuts/almonds instead of peanuts.

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  28. These are so practical to take away with you. A great snack and very healthy too. Very nice Mich.

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  29. These are so satisfying and delicious breakfast bars!!! Yummy!

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  30. You had me at condensed milk :D These bars sounds delicious !

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  31. I actually made some granola using Curtis Stone's recipe but did not get it posted on time lol! Just finish munching on it...time to bake some again and these looks easy enough...is it easy to get them off the pan? I had a hard time digging mine out the first and last time I tried baking granola bars!

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  32. Love Nigella recipes too. These look like perfect breakfast food. Thanks for entering AlphaBakes.

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  33. Hey Zoe,

    loving this recipe... will try it soon :) i too am a nigella fan ... love the no fuss part of her cooking style ...

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  34. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  35. Condensed Milk Substitute



    INGREDIENTS

    1⁄2cup cold water
    1 1⁄3cups carnation nonfat dry milk powder
    1⁄2cup Splenda granular(sugar substitute)

    DIRECTIONS

    In a 2 cup glass measuring cup, combine cold water and Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk Powder, stirring to make a paste.
    Cover and microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 45 to 60 seconds or until mixture is hot but not boiling.
    Stir in Splenda.
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using. Will keep up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Use in any recipe that calls for sweetened condensed milk. Makes equivalent of a 12-fluid-ounce can of commercial brand.

    ReplyDelete
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