Next time you have half a can of condensed milk to use up, consider making Condensed Milk Granola Bars. The original recipe is from Allrecipes.com where as you can see the bars get rave reviews. That's actually the full batch recipe using the full can. I prefer the half batch version using an 8 inch square pan and half a can of condensed milk.
The first time I made these I named them Fairly Decent Granola Bars because I liked them but thought the condensed milk flavor was too strong. Maybe my tastes have changed because I think they're a little better than decent. Plus I love that you can mix and match the ingredients so easily.
This version uses oats, nuts, coconut and chocolate chips. Dried fruit is a good add-in, but you aren't a fan you can leave it out . Condensed Milk Granola Bars are perfect for improvising, so use whatever combo of add-ins you like. Consider this "base" recipe and use your imagination.
Condensed Milk Granola Bars
1 tablespoon butter plus extra for pan
Half a can of condensed milk (6 to 7 oz)
1 ½ cups quick cooking oats, old fashioned okay
1 ½ cups total your choice of mixed nuts, chocolate chips, coconut
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 inch square pan with foil and grease generously with softened butter. These are sticky! If you have non-stick foil, you can use that instead and skip the extra butter.
In a large microwave-safe bowl or in a 3 quart saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Remove from heat and stir in the condensed milk, oats, and mixed nuts. If you are adding any kind of chocolate chips and the mixture is still warm, let it cool slightly. This would only be an issue if you melted the butter over the stove and there was still some residual heat. Press down tightly and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool for about 20 minutes, then lift from pan and score while warm, then let cool completely. You can throw them in the freezer if you want them to firm up quickly.
Meredith says
My old-standby recipe:
Boil 1c Karo syrup for 1 minute.
Add 1c peanut butter. Mix well.
Add 1lb granola cereal. Mix well.
Pat into 9x13" pan.
Cover with one bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Put in low oven until chips are glossy and spreadable.
Cool. Cut. Enjoy.
Mackenzie@The Caramel Cookie says
Never heard of using condensed milk for granola bars....interesting....
Anna says
Adam, I had the same thing happen to me when I tried one of Alton Brown's recipes. He has a good protein bar recipe, but his granola bar crumbled on me. I'm still trying to figure out what went wrong.
Louise, this is the KA granola bar I'm talking about.
https://www.cookiemadness.net/2006/07/vermont-granola-barsaka-trail-mix-bars/
Adam says
I attempted my first granola bar this past weekend, and it didn't end up working as bars, but it made some wonderfully tasty granola pieces :). I have a tendency to shy away from anything with condensed milk since I like to control sugar content. Would it be worth trying this with maybe evaporated milk and honey? And great title Anna, I was chuckling even before I clicked the link.
Louise says
I think the KA Granola Bars with Raspberry Jammy Bits sound tasty, except they call for the KA products Sticky Bun Sugar and Raspberry Jammy Bits. I think that dried cranberries or cherries might fill in for the jammy bits, but I've never seen the KA sticky bun sugar so I'm not sure what would substitute for that magical product. I make some darned good sticky buns, so maybe someday when I'm feeling creative I'll have a go at it.
briarrose says
The condensed milk is kind of a surprise to see in granola bars...not a bad ingredient to use in a pinch.
Sue says
I've been thinking of making some granola bars lately. Here's a link to a recipe I've made and liked a lot. http://basicallybaked.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/chewy-granola-bars/
Katrina says
Here are some granola bars I made a few years ago. At that time, I made them quite a few times with different add-ins. I like that they have lots of healthy things and some added protein (and they'd still probably work without the added protein powder). Makes me want to make them again!
http://www.bakingandboys.com/2009/04/high-octane-energy-bars-and-giveaway.html
Anna says
Rina, have you tried the recipe from King Arthur? It's called Vermont Granola Bars. I like that one, but it does involve using a candy thermometer and sometimes I just don't feel like dealing with that.
Louise, speaking of King Arthur, in their Cookie Companion they have a Hello Dolly recipe that does not call for condensed milk. I don't think I've tried it yet. Anyway, I like it in all the things mentioned above, but it wasn't good in the bars.
Stephanie, those are good tips.
Shannon, thanks for the link. I'll try making my own version of whatever she did.
Shannon says
@Rina - this is my go-to recipe for granola bars: http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/02/thick-chewy-granola-bars/
I reduce the butter down to 4 TBSP and sub oat bran for the oat flour. These are great with Craisins, peanuts, and coconut. And I think somewhat healthy... they have to be healthier than condensed milk 🙂
stephanie says
Perhaps adding some cinnamon and nutmeg might help with the flavour?
Louise says
I run as fast as I can from any recipe that calls for condensed milk. The only exception is dulce de leche, and I frequently buy Nestle brand so I don't have to make it myself.
Rina says
I have tried this recipe before as well and completely agree that the condensed milk flavor is a bit too prominent. Still searching for a go-to recipe for granola bars. Sigh.
Sue says
".....they weren't awful." Now there's an endorsement for the recipe. 😉 LOL!! Just had to kid you about that line. 🙂