The girls and I were itching to do some baking, okay, it was probably more like itching for some sugar. No matter though, however we got there, the results were good. I pin a lot of recipes (well, a lot of things in general) and this was one that was calling our name, so we made it. The girls helped mixed, but we were in kind of a hurry that I was the one who threw all the ingredients in. I told them next time I’d let them do it, so we’re probably going to be making this again this week.
Funny though, the recipe is from Half Baked Harvest called Healthy Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars, but it is definitely far from healthy. I think the creator meant it as funny joke to name it that. I told Ben the name of the recipe and what was in it and he just laughed. Apparently, 1 cup of canola oil is 1,927 calories and 216 grams of fat, and that’s only the oil! Throw in the chocolate chips, sugar, and the rest of the magic that makes this thing yummy, and these bars should have flashing lights over it saying, “Danger! Danger!” But life is short and I love living dangerously! Right, folks?!
We will try to make it again this week, but slightly healthier and we’ll cross our fingers that they still come out yummy. Or we will continue to live our life on the edge, either way, I’ll let you know how it goes!
Have you tried baking with apple sauce instead of oil or butter? I just tried it with my family’s recipe for banana bread and replaced oil with apple sauce. I have to say… I don’t miss the oil at all! The flavor is a little different, but not in a bad way.
Ooh, those look so good! Gooey chocolatey cookie bars are the best. I would use the coconut oil and all whole wheat, and honey instead of sugar (just 1/2 cup cause it’s sweeter – I never use sugar unless it has to have shape) and feel good calling them a healthy dessert…but a dessert none the less! (But I’m on the side that thinks coconut oil and similar fats are super good for you!)
This is our go to recipe for granola bars, maybe a healthier version:)
1/2 cup reduced-fat creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 egg
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup peanut butter chips
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, honey, egg, oil and vanilla until blended. Combine the oats, brown sugar and salt; add to the peanut butter mixture and mix well. Stir in chips.
Transfer to a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 3 dozen.
looks so yummy!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
They look so deliciously decadent!
Just got the issue of family fun in the mail and saw your cuties on the cover. Congratulations that is so very exciting. Can’t wait to look through the magazine! xox
An attention-grabbing discussion is worth a comment. I feel that you need to write extra on this mat
Looks delicious! Now I’m hungry…
Suzanne
http://adventuresofsweetmonday.blogspot.com/
Thanks for posting! My oldest (five) and I made these last night. We shared them with friends today. All around thumbs up and easy to use recipe. I am not too worried about the sugar here. Yum!