You guys made me do it. I’m blaming you.
After I posted the 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola Bars with a simple mention of bacon, your encouragement (disgust?) and the thought of the deliciousness (grossness?) never left my mind.
And then Maria had to mention that today is Elvis’ birthday, so how could I not make them? I looked at it as honoring a legend.
Of course I had to add my own twist and throw in some chocolate because I have no self control. After all, I did just up the protein content of the bar, so what’s wrong with a little chocolate?
The Elvis Granola Bar
4 cups rolled oats
2 tablespoons chia seeds (these are optional, I just love the texture they give)
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
1/2 cup chopped dried bananas
1/2 cup crumbled bacon
1/2 cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup natural peanut butter, melted
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup (honey works too!)
Preheat oven to 350. In a bowl, combine oats, chia seeds, banana, peanuts, chocolate chips and bacon. Add melted peanut butter and honey (or syrup) and mix until moistened and combined. If you need more “glue.” add additional peanut butter or honey 1-2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Press into a baking dish (I’ve used 8 x 8 and 9 x 13) and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting.
But now that I’ve gone and added meat to a granola bar, perhaps Mr. How Sweet will eat it?
I’m Jessica and this is where I share my stuff. You will find a balance of healthy recipes, comfort food and indulgent desserts.
Hahahaha – loved the Elvis name :)
Reply
ok, totally have to try this! We have this AMAZING burger place here in Canada called “The Works” and they make a burger with peanut butter and bacon and it is SO GOOD! I have never done the whole banana, pb and bacon combo… but I imagine it is just as yummy.
Reply
Jessica — January 9th, 2011 @ 2:56 pm
YUM!
Reply
Haha, love this and how creative you are! I wonder if my sweetie would like this. Time will only tell :P
Reply
I made your lime pound cake today and it looks DELICIOUS! My husband loves it. Also, did you read that one of the Chilean miners who was trapped underground for so long loves Elvis and visited Graceland this week? Too funny.
Reply
Jessica — January 9th, 2011 @ 2:55 pm
So glad you like it! And nope… didn’t hear that. Hahahah!
Reply
I love the Rococo design on that white dish… may I ask, where you got it.. I’d love to buy one? Of course the granola looks fantastic!!!
Reply
Jessica — January 9th, 2011 @ 2:55 pm
It is Butler’s Pantry by Lenox – it is my everyday dishware that I got for my wedding!
Reply
Bailey Benoit — January 10th, 2011 @ 2:08 am
Thank you Jessica… I’m going to scour the web and look for some pieces. Did you get the dishes as well? They have a bit of a cream embellishment to them?
Jessica — January 10th, 2011 @ 2:11 am
Yep I have the entire set!
These are so fun. I bet Elvis would be happy
Reply
The funny thing is that while I don’t like bacon on its own, I’m a sucker for the novelty of finding it in sweet things. Vosges or Zotter’s bacon chocolate? Bacon toffee? Yes please. This bacon granola? Oh heck please!
Reply
OMG-this is amazing. Bacon in a granola bar?! I’ll take, like, eighteen of these, please!
Reply
I don’t like bacon but I could imagine that those who do-will love this! And i’d have to say you made Elvis proud, haha!
Reply
this is ridiculous! I love it!
Reply
I love dried bananas, I could eat 5 Lbs. of them in one sitting. What a creative idea putting them in granola bars. I am definitely going to have to try that.
Reply
These look ridiculously good! And I love brown rice syrup in granola bars, it seems to give the perfect amount of chewiness!
Reply
I love your recipes and I love your writing but this time I think you’ve gone off the deep end with the bacon! … Although the more I think of it, it does make perfect sense … no … no … what am I saying? I really don’t think I could!
Reply
Wow—I’d probably never make those, but I would definitely try one if someone else made them!
Reply
So, how did Mr Sweet like your creation with bacon in it?
Reply
Jessica — January 9th, 2011 @ 2:52 pm
Mr. How Sweet isn’t a bacon fan like I am. He definitely likes it, but in a more traditional sense, like with eggs or on a sandwich. He would never eat it in sweets, it really grosses him out!
So no… I got these all to myself. :)
Reply
whoa, okay now THAT is a good idea! It’s a good way to pay homage to Elvis. Work it sister.
Reply
No.You. Didnt.
GASM. is all I can say.
Jessica, you’re a culinary genius.
Reply
You’ve done it again! Elivis would be proud. What kind of flavor did the bacon add? savory? salty? or was it still sweet?
Reply
yum! Can’t wait to try these!
Reply
These look AWESOME! I need to stock up on more SunButter so I can give these a try!
Reply
There is just too much awesomeness going on around here. These look amazing.
Reply
I have to know – how awesome are they??
Reply
Oh man! Jess, only you could get away with putting bacon in a granola bar. This is insane and brilliant and awesome.
Reply
haha! This sounds incredible girl!
Reply
This might be the craziest thing I’ve EVER seen! And I LOVE it! Maybe one day when I’m wearing my “big girl panties” I could give this a taste?
Reply
Brilliant! Did you love them? Would you make them again?
Reply
Jessica — January 10th, 2011 @ 4:13 pm
Yes!
Reply
Ohhh, YEA! You have made Elvis proud!
Reply
WHAT IS THIS CRAZINESS! Genius, my friend…pure genius!
Reply
hey, lady, it was my birthday on the 8th, too. how bout a bLyss granola bar? ;)
I’m kidding. sorta. just sour that Elvis (aka my birthday buddy) steals my birthday thun-dah.
Reply
Hooray!!! I’m so glad you made them!!!
Reply
i hate how badly i need to try these. mmmm bacon!
Reply
OMG! I am so making these for my husband!
Reply
I made this it was really good, but next time I am going to add more Bacon!
Reply