A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned my love for the Whole Food’s granola bars. You know the ones that are always in the checkout line? Yeah, those. I had a reader recommend a copycat recipe for them, and I was instantly intrigued. I finally got around to making them on Wednesday, and I was blown away. A Spicy Perspective, the recipe creator, was spot on. Her recipe is so close to the Whole Food’s recipe that it’s almost unbelievble. She must know an insider because seriously…they’re identical.
I plan to use this recipe again and again. I’ve been breaking them apart and topping my yogurt and smoothies with them the past couple of days. My mom said that the bars are banned from her house because she ate four in one night. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t do the same…
As you can see, the bars are also identical in appearance. The only thing I forgot to do was chop up the cashews, but it didn’t make much of a difference.
It’s fun to re-make recipes and do a review! I’m planning on doing a lot more of that this year. There are so many talented chefs and bakers out there with so many great recipes to try. I’ve always been a throw everything together randomly type of girl, but I need to venture out more. The only problem with exploring her recipe was diving into all of her other posts. A Spicy Perspective is a great blog! I look forward to following, so thank you, Stephanie, for introducing me!
When you’re making recipes that are filled with nuts and seeds, it can get pricey, especially if you’re only using 1/4 of the bag. I decided to measure out the amounts and bought the nuts and seeds from the bulk section to save money. Next time, I’ll just buy the ingredients from the large bags because I want them leftover in the house so I can make more of the bars. I promise that once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again. I just wanted to show them off to everyone. As soon as I saw Kyle, I practically shoved them in his face to try.
Did he love them? YES!
Copycat Homemade Whole Food's Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Whole Oats (or quick oats)
- 3/4 Cup Almonds (I used roasted)
- 3/4 Cup Raw Cashews (chop if you want!)
- 1/2 Cup Raw Pepitas
- 2/3 Cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- 1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/2 Cup Raisins
- 1/3 Cup Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar (i used the Truvia Blend)
- 1/3 Cup Brown Rice Syrup
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
- 1 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- Use a food processor or blender to grind up the oats. **I ended up using quick oats as is
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sesame seeds, raisins, cranberries, cashews, pepitas, almonds, and shredded coconut. Set aside.
- Add the brown sugar, coconut oil, honey, and brown rice syrup in a sauce pot and heat over the stop top on high. Once the coconut oil melts, remove from the heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla.
- Pour the syrup over the dry ingredients and mix well. Make sure to get every ingredient coated in the syrup.
- Scoop the mixture out on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Spread evenly.
- Place a separate sheet of wax paper over the top of the bars and press down until the bars are flat and packed.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before slicing them into bars.
- Cut into squares, wrap, and store in the refrigerator! * I wrapped mine and put them in a container.
These are great for snacking, great for kids, and so easy to make! There is no baking involved, which is always convenient. You could pack these in your kid’s lunches, take them to sporting events, or put them in your office for when you’re hungry. I mean, you don’t need any excuses to make or eat these. They are also money-savers. The boxes of granola or protein bars are pricey; it’s so much better to make them yourself. Plus, it’s nice to know exactly what goes into them. You can customize them any way you want 🙂
I printed out this recipe and stuck it in my files so I can make it for years to come!
These bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be easily made vegan if you substitute the honey for agave!
I look forward to making these again and again! <3 Since Stephanie recomended them to me, it’s now my turn to recomend them to you! 🙂 I hope you enjoy these bars as much as I do!
Questions for you!
- Will you be making these?
- Do you have a favorite recipe that you’ve made multiple times? (Link me to it!)
- What recipe should I post Sunday!? Salmon, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Balls, or Tofu Kebabs!?
Samantha says
Ohhhh these look so good!! I already have most of the ingredients in my pantry too, can’t wait to make them!
One thing: what would you suggest to replace the brown rice syrup? (Or can it just be omitted all together?) that’s generally an ingredient I try and avoid in prepackaged foods, so would love to not have to worry about it in my home made version 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
They are so good, Samantha! Definitely, make them 🙂
Maybe just use extra honey? Not sure how it would work out! The brown rice syrup really holds it together, some people use cane sugar/Karo syrup, but I’m sure you don’t want to take that route! All I can suggest is extra honey?
Abby says
Tofu kebabs please! I’ve just gone vegan and I need some ideas 😀
Taralynn McNitt says
Awesome! 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
If I could only eat one thing in the world, it’d be granola! (next to rice, of course, hah) I wish there were Whole Foods here, I miss it so much! Can’t wait to try out this recipe. 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Then you’ll LOVE this recipe!
Danielle says
My kindergartener loves these! We buy them at Whole Foods all the time, so thank you for sharing and reviewing the recipe with us! I’m looking forward to trying them out.
Taralynn McNitt says
Let me know what you think! xo
Brit says
I love the words ou adding to your photos!
Your blog is so fun 🙂 Is this your full-time job?
Taralynn McNitt says
Awwww thanks, Brit!!!
& yes it is!
Katie says
I love the Whole Foods bars!
I think you should post the kebabs!
Taralynn McNitt says
They are so good, and this recipe is SPOT ON!
Haley says
These look amazing! Thanks for sharing the review. I can’t wait to make these with my daughter!
Taralynn McNitt says
Enjoy! They are fun to make 🙂
Sarah says
These look soooo good! I have a backpacking trip tomorrow so I’m going to try them out for an easy hiking snack. One recipe I pretty much always have made and ready to go is superhero muffins http://www.runfasteatslow.com/blog/2015/9/25/superhero-muffins They are so easy for breakfast on the go or before a workout. Actually ever recipe in that cookbook is a winner for me. I would love to see a recipe for kebabs its finally warming up here so I am ready for all the grilled foods.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Sarah!
These are PERFECT for backpacking!
Thanks for the recipe! I’ll have to check it out! I need to make some muffins today 😀
xo xo xo Have a great backpacking trip! how exciting!
Sara says
These look delicious! I have moved to making more homemade snacks instead of packaged. I can’t wait to try these!
This chicken recipe is one that we make ALL the time! It’s so easy and yummy. We usually roast vegetables with ours 🙂
http://kitchencomforts.org/2017/10/19/gluten-free-baked-chicken/
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Sara! I think you’ll love these.
MMMMMM THAT LOOKS AMAZING!
Sarah says
These look amazing! Do you have any recommendations on a replacement for the coconut oil? (I’m allergic to coconut 😭)
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Sarah!
If I had to swap coconut oil, i’d go with butter.
Annie Harney | AIP with Grit and Grace Blog says
Loving this and cannot wait to try it! Your recipes are always spot on!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Annie!
This one is actually not my recipe!:) But it’s still on point!!
Linda @ the Fitty says
You have GOT to try my famous green goddess lasagna:
https://thefitty.com/2014/05/02/green-and-white-lasagna/
And i vouch for salmon!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Looks great, Linda!
Linda @ The Fitty says
DOESN’T IT?! Try it out sometime, Tara?
Anonymous says
Where do you grocery shop?
Taralynn McNitt says
Everywhere! lol
Trisha says
I read this too late! Just got back from Whole Foods— I went in for granola and that almond milk you use! You’re reading my mind today 😆
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha! whoops! 😀
Dawn says
I made them today and they are soo good!
Taralynn McNitt says
I had one for breakfast 😀
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says
Oh. My. Goodness. I literally want to lick my screen right now. Weird? I think not. This looks SO GOOD. We’re really trying to make moves away from processed foods because they put SO much weird and unnecessary stuff in most of it, but I’m also a big snack girl (especially as a teacher who’s always go go go-ing). This is everything I want in one little delicious bar of goodness and I know everything that’s in it, which is the biggest plus!
So yes, in case it wasn’t obvious haha, I will be making these and I have a feeling Ben will be stealing most of them.
This cold brew coffee protein shake is LIFE for us, especially in the summer when Costco has organic cold brew stocked. Peanut butter protein powder is they key! IT’S SO GOOD!
https://www.milehighdreamers.com/cold-brew-coffee-protein-shake/
Ahhh I can’t decide between white chocolate nut balls or kebabs…. So I’m looking forward to both!
Taralynn McNitt says
Haha never weird!
You can also customize the recipe and add in or leave out whatever you want, or play with it everytime you make them! I want to add white chocolate chips next time 🙂
🙂 you’ll LOVE LOVE LOVE these!
thanks for the recipe!
xo!
Dixie says
Can I use extra honey instead of brown rice sugar?
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! 🙂 Just stack them thicker. They’ll hold better! Use a smaller pan so they are about an inch thick.
Emma says
Where did you get the green napkin with the leaves?
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s fabric I sewed into a placemat lol got it at hobby lobby
Anonymous says
Think I could add chocolate chips?
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes!
I would add them in after coating the ingredients with the warm mixture. Just gradually mix them in or they’ll melt 🙂
Anonymous says
Can I use quinoa instead of oats?
Taralynn McNitt says
I have NO idea how that would turn out lol I’d say no……..but you could try?
Anonymous says
Do you drink alcohol?
Taralynn McNitt says
Not really! Maybe sipping wine on special occasions, but not really!
Addie says
We made these last night! Such a hit!
Taralynn McNitt says
So awesome!!
Pete says
Do you have to warm up the honey and syrup?
Taralynn McNitt says
I’d say yes 🙂 It melts the coconut oil, dissolves the brown sugar, and helps coat the dry ingredients easier.
Eden says
For everyone asking, I used extra honey instead of the brown rice syrup and they turned out delicious. I took Taralynn’s advice and made them thicker.
Taralynn McNitt says
That is great!
Charity says
Loved the post! I’m curious, do you have a specific way of filing your recipes? Maybe I’m over thinking it, but I haven’t found the best method for doing so. I’d be interested in seeing how you do it! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I pretty much just print them and put them in a folder in my kitchen! lol
But…my boyfriend’s mom is incredible organized with her recipes.
She has a binder with laminated recipes in her kitchen. GENIUS! She just prints them and puts them in the laminated slots.
stephanie says
So glad you tried them! I made them again this weekend, so yummy 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Stephanie!!! 😀 LIFE CHANING! WHOOP
Taralynn McNitt says
Changing *****
Anna says
These were great!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m making another batch! lol
Anonymous says
Please share your Tofu Kebabs. I would love to learn to make thoses. Xoxo
Taralynn McNitt says
I will soon! 😀
Kimberly says
Looks so good!
I’d love to see your white chocolate macadamia nut ball recipe! I love making the no-bake type bars to have on hand for breakfast. I hate getting up early for work so I try to make things as easy as possible in the mornings!
Taralynn McNitt says
It’ll be up soon!!
Madeline says
1.Will you be making these?
Yes! I have to have a savory breakfast everyday, but I always want a little bit of sweet (usually fruit if I’m being healthy, pancakes/waffles if I am not) afterward. These would be perfect for a little mid-morning snack. I need to find a grocery store that sells in bulk so I don’t end up spending tons just for this recipe #budgetprobs
2.Do you have a favorite recipe that you’ve made multiple times? (Link me to it!)
Right now I’m loving egg roll bowls. Simple and quick recipe. Good for satisfying my takeout cravings with less money spent and calories ingested. This recipe is delicious just the way it is but I’ve made it a little healthier by using ground turkey and cutting the soy sauce in half (using regular because I didn’t have low sodium) and made it more filling by adding double coleslaw. http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2014/07/eggroll-in-bowl.html
3.What recipe should I post Sunday!? Salmon, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Balls, or Tofu Kebabs!? Oh goodness. Honestly I love reading basically everything you post so I’d be happy with anything. I guess if I had to choose, I would be more interested in the tofu kebabs because they looked great in your IG story pics.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Madeline!
These are great for snacks! Perfect with coffee in the morning 🙂
Egg roll bowls? YUM!!!!!!!! (making)
I’ll have to post those kebabs soon!
Lace says
amazing!
Kim says
I made these and the taste was wonderful. The only problem was the bars didn’t hold together. Any suggestions?