Good Morning Breakfast Bars

I will probably post a lot of make ahead breakfast options for you in this blog because, honestly, I hate making breakfast! I'd rather someone else do it for me :)


But since my hubby hates making breakfast too, there's not much of a chance for that...


However, I know that if I make things ahead of time, I'm more likely to eat better and feel better. I can relax in the mornings instead of slamming cabinets and standing with my head in the fridge for ten minutes at a time thinking "What do I want????"


I shudder at having to go back to school and repeat this process daily! 


This recipe was given to me by my grandmother, and although it was delicious the way she made them, I'd like to try to tweak them to be a little more...healthy. 


I'll give you the original recipe and my healthier option so you can make the choice yourself. Happy Baking!




The Ingredients: Original Recipe (My Recipe)


1/2 C butter or margarine, softened (1/4 C applesauce)


1 C packed brown sugar (1 C packed light brown sugar)


1/4 C sugar (use a little less sugar and a little more honey)


2 T honey


1/2 tsp vanilla extract (same)


1/2 tsp baking powder (same)


1 1/2 C quick cooking oats (1 1/2 C Whole Grain Oats)


1 1/4 C rice cereal (1 1/4 C Whole Grain Cereal...Kashi has some good options)


1 C dried fruit or chocolate chips (Check the SUGAR content on any of these!)


1 egg (same)


1 C flour (1 C Whole Wheat Flour)


1 tsp cinnamon (same)


1/4 tsp salt (same)


1 C chopped nuts (I love slivered almonds, but walnuts work really well too!)

How To: Both Recipes


In a mixing bowl, cream butter (or applesauce) and sugars. Add honey, vanilla, and egg; mix well. 


Combine dry ingredients in another bowl. Add slowly to creamed mixture. 


Stir in oats, cereal, and nuts. 


Add raisins, berries, or chocolate chips at this time. Fold them into the mixture. 


Press the mixture into a 9x12x2 inch baking pan (grease the bottom). 


Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until top is slightly browned. 


Make about 2 dozen bars. 




The Result: 


Well, I'll be honest. The fatty, high calorie ones taste pretty darn good. However, if you'd like to treat your body better, make my recipe. 


The recipe that I used tasted delicious and I'll be eating these for breakfast for a loooong time to come. They store really well, also. You can put them in a tupperware dish or a freezer safe bag in the freezer for up to a month of more.