Companion’s Granola Bars

COMPANION
8143 Maryland Ave., Clayton, 314.721.5454; 9781 Clayton Road, Ladue, 314.218.2280; companionstl.com

The granola bars at Companion are so good. Can you get the recipe? I am not sure if they are a dessert or a healthy alternative to dessert, but they are so good. [I] may not want to know how many calories, [but] the name “granola bar” makes us think “healthy.” – Susan Kottler

Companion’s Granola Bars
Courtesy of Companion’s Josh Allen
24 servings

For the filling:
½ cup sugar
¹∕³ cup packed brown sugar
½ tsp. sea salt
1½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
1∕8 cup honey
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 large egg
½ cup cake flour
1 Tbsp. milk
¼ cup pumpkin seeds, roasted
¹∕³ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup pecans, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries

For the base:
1¼ cups packed brown sugar
3 sticks unsalted butter
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. sea salt
4½ cups rolled oats
2 cups all-purpose flour

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

• To make the filling, use a stand mixer to blend the sugar, brown sugar, salt, butter, honey and vanilla at low speed for 1 minute. Add the egg. Blend for another 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl. Add the cake flour and milk and mix for 1 minute on low. Add the seeds, chocolate chips, pecans and cranberries. Using a wooden spoon, stir to incorporate. Set aside. 

• To make the base, cream the brown sugar, butter, honey and salt. Gradually add the oats and flour until a crumb-like consistency forms. Do not overmix.

• Add half of the granola bar base to a lightly greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Press into an even layer.

• Add the granola filling on top of the base and spread evenly. Add the remaining bar base on top and gently press to evenly cover. 

• Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until set. Let cool completely before slicing.

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