Peachy Keen Granola Bars

Patiently waiting for spring here.

I am tired of the record lows.

I am tired of the snow, sleet, and ice in March.

I am ready for warm temperatures, working in the yard and garden, and harvesting our produce.

As I was experiencing another snow day earlier this month (and don’t get me wrong, I love a good snow day now and then), I decided to order some fruit trees from Grandpa’s Orchard.   We have gotten two apple trees and a couple of peach trees from this company and we have never been disappointed.     I really wanted to order another peach tree but we already have three, so we ordered a Wenatchee Moorpark apricot and a Supermont Tart cherry.

But I couldn’t get the idea of a juicy, ripe, fresh peach out of my mind.

I poured a cup of ginger peach hot tea and did the best I could making peach granola bars.   I didn’t have any dried peaches in the pantry but I did have some freeze-dried ones.

2014-03-02 12.47.47

I used my go to recipe that can be found here and adapted it a bit.

Peachy Keen Granola Bars

1 c. old fashioned oats, divided
1 c. whole roasted and salted almonds
1 c. sliced almonds
1 c. freeze dried peaches, broken into small bits
2 T. chia seeds
1/4 c. plus 2 T. local honey
4 T. coconut oil
1/4 t. pure vanilla extract
1/4 t. almond extract
dash of cinnamon

Place 1/2 cup oats and roasted whole almonds in a food processor.  Pulse until fine.

2014-03-02 12.42.45

I keep mine a bit chunky.

Pour ground contents into a large mixing bowl.  Add remaining 1/2 cup of oats, sliced almonds, peaches, and chia seeds. Set aside.

2014-03-02 12.55.01

Combine honey, coconut oil, vanilla and almond extracts, and cinnamon in a small sauce pan over medium heat.   Stir until mixture foams and then cook for 15 seconds longer (stirring constantly).  Pour over the granola mixture and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients.

Line an 8 x 8″ pan with plastic wrap letting the edges  hang far over the sides.   Pour in granola. Press very, very firmly. Wrap the overhanging plastic wrap over the sides so granola bars are sealed and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.

I have two glass pans that are both labeled as 8 x 8 but one actually just fits into the other.   These are perfect for making granola bars.   I line the larger pan with plastic wrap and use the smaller pan to press the granola mixture in as tight and as evenly as possible.  They work great as a granola press.

2014-03-03 10.28.08

I love these crunchy chunks of peaches.

If you can’t find freeze dried peaches, I know that dried peaches would work fine.   The freeze dried variety gives these granola bars an extra crunchiness.

2014-03-03 10.27.12

I have used freeze dried strawberries in this same recipe with great results, too.

Oh when, oh when will we have fresh fruit from the garden and orchards?

18 comments to Peachy Keen Granola Bars

  • Hi Debra:)
    I know this weather is getting to us all. Your Peachy Keen Granola Bars have brightened up my day and these days, I need all the gleam I can get, lol…I have just been informed that my grand-daughter is on a granola bar kick. (she’s eleven:) I’ve pinned your recipe to her secret board. I can’t wait until she sees it:) I’ll be checking out Grandpa’s Orchard. I’m thinking about getting some fruit trees. Thank you so much for sharing, Debra…

  • These granola bars have turned out great, Debra. I love those freeze dried peaches.

  • kitchenriffs

    This has been such a long, tough winter, hasn’t it? Things are finally looking up here (although we dodged some snow last night). These granola bars really are peachy keen! I’ll bet the flavor is fabulous. Thanks for these.

    • Glad you dodged that last bullet! We’ve had two glorious days and one so-so day. I will even take the so-so days at this point.

  • Is that like a chalkboard plate, or did it already say that? Neat! These sound great. I haven’t tried freeze dried fruit but this is an ingenious way to use it!

  • I ahve seen the chalkboard glasses but not the plates. Very cool!! This has been a rotten winter for all but most of all for you all up north and the mid west. Sending you the wee bit of sunshine we have have (blowing you a kiss)

    • So far, so good. Great week this week. Just one cold day. Of course it could be 70 and with our 25-30 mph winds it could feel like 40. 🙂

  • What a great way to use freeze-dried fruit. I like the peach-almond flavor in these bars. 😉

  • I’m with you – bring on spring!!! My wisteria is very close to blooming and I’m afraid that it’s going to freeze. Every night it’s 32, 33 degrees. UGH!! “Peachy Kenn” – how many times have I used that saying? Ha Ha. Love the name and love the granola bars!

  • YUM! I have never had peach granola however, I’m going to look for some freeze-dried peaches now!

  • […] During the summer, I like to think that I’m eating healthier.  For one thing, I don’t have to rush out the door at 6:30 every morning for 7:00 bus duty.  This means I have time for a pretty decent breakfast of homemade granola with fresh fruit and almond milk.   (Yes, I am admitting it.   My morning breakfast during the school year is at best a pre-packaged breakfast bar or simply a latte with an extra shot from Starbucks.)   So, as August 1 approaches which means I report back to the office, I am going to stock up on some homemade granola bars.   (This recipe is based on two previous posts:  Granola Bars and Peachy Keen Granola Bars.) […]