No Bake Granola Balls

JanuaryBride's Note:

Healthy snacks that kids (and grown ups) will love! I originally got the recipe from Whole Foods, then changed it up a bit. This is dairy-free and vegetarian. NOTE: I have many a time made these without toasting the oats and coconut and it works out just fine that way as well :)

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 8

Yield: 45.0 balls

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (lately I have been just using 2 T of Splenda instead of this)
• 1/4 cup chopped mixed nuts (I like to use almond slivers and chopped walnuts mixed)
• 1/8 cup raisins (I use golden ones)
• 1/8 cup dried cranberries (May sub with dried blueberries or dried cherries)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread oats and coconut on a cookie sheet. Place in the oven and toast for about 12 minutes, stirring twice, until lightly browned.
2. Meanwhile, combine the peanut butter, honey and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously, until ingredients are thoroughly blended and sugar has completely melted (about 2 minutes).
3. Add the toasted oats and coconut to the peanut butter mixture, followed by the nuts, raisins and cranberries. Stir to combine. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Working with dampened hands, shape into bite sized balls and refrigerate for an hour. I usually let mine sit out for about 15 minutes prior to serving as we like them a little gooey.

Reviews

[Prose]

Great recipe! Easy and delicious. I used baby oats and skipped toasting them. I used walnuts for the nuts and dried cherries for the fruit. I added about 1/2 cup carob chips after cooling the mixture. I like the idea of shaping them like balls instead of bars. I had to take the pictures quickly because they got devoured! Made for February 2009 Veg Swap.

[VegSocialWorker]

Yum, these are great and so easy to make as well. I subbed agave nectar for the honey to make it vegan, and it worked just fine. I used a mixture of hemp seeds, cashews and walnuts. Thanks for posting, made for the Dec 08 veg swap.

[katew]

Five star and fantastic - what more can I say except I nearly ate the lot !!