Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bar Bites

Yields: 25 granola bar bites

These taste even better than the store-bought granola bars I grew up eating! They’re soft and chewy with lots of rich cinnamon flavor, and hydrating the raisins ahead of time makes a big difference. Those plump juicy bits taste sweet and incredible! Leftovers will keep for at least 5 days (if not longer!) if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

2 large egg whites
2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup (60g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45mL) pure maple syrup
1 ½ cups (45g) crisp brown rice cereal
1 cup (100g) old-fashioned rolled oats (measured like this and gluten-free if necessary)
¼ cup (40g) raisins, hydrated and diced (see Notes!)

Preheat the oven to 300°F, and coat an 8”-square pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites. Whisk in the cinnamon and salt. Stir in the Greek yogurt and maple syrup, mixing until thoroughly combined. Stir in the rice cereal and oats. Gently fold in the raisins.
Gently press the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula. Bake at 300°F for 11-14 minutes or until the center feels firm to the touch. Cool completely to room temperature in the pan before slicing into squares.

Notes: This is my favorite cinnamon! It tastes stronger and sweeter than the classic variety. I buy it online here, and it’s really affordable!

Honey or agave may be substituted for the pure maple syrup.

Regular crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) may be substituted for the brown rice cereal. In a pinch, lightly crushed rice pocket cereal may also be substituted.

Instant oats may be substituted for the old-fashioned oats. Do not substitute steel-cut oats.

Remember to measure the brown rice cereal and oats correctly, using this method or a kitchen scale. (← That’s the one I own and love!) Too much of either ingredient will dry out the batter, and the ingredients won’t fully incorporate. If this happens to you, then add 1-2 tablespoons of milk (any type will work!) until all of the ingredients can be fully incorporated.

Before adding the raisins, dice them into quarters or sixths. I do not recommend using whole raisins. Their bigger size causes the granola bar bites to fall apart. To hydrate, add them to a microwave-safe bowl, and completely cover them with water. Add a lid on top or tightly cover the top with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Let the raisins rest for at least 5 minutes (or while measuring and mixing together the other ingredients!) Drain thoroughly before adding to the mixing bowl. This makes them especially plump and juicy!

{gluten-free, clean eating, low fat}

Recipe by Amy's Healthy Baking at https://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2019/02/27/healthy-oatmeal-raisin-granola-bar-bites/