Granola Snack Cake (2 ways)
You can make this snack cake with either almond butter or peanut butter to switch it up! The chips are optional, but I like to use 60% dark chocolate chips with the almond version. You can use peanut butter chips with the peanut butter version, or a mix of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. This is a firm cake, perfect for a mid morning or afternoon snack.
Yield: 16
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
2 ounces butter room temperature (1/4 stick)
2 ounces peanut butter (or almond butter)
1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
2 large eggs room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
5 ounces flour (about 1 cup, but please weigh)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup Dansville Granola (lightly crush any clusters)
1/2 cup peanut butter chips or chocolate chips, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees (300 if using a dark pan). Butter or spray an 8 inch square pan with pan spray.
Combine flour, baking powder and soda, and salt. Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter and peanut butter (or almond butter) until well combined and creamy, about one minute. Add the light brown sugar and beat another minute. Add eggs one at a time until well combined, add the vanilla extract (or almond extract), and beat another minute. Add flour mixture and mix just until combined. Fold in the granola and chips, if using them.
Spread mixture evenly in the prepared pan, mixture will be thick, push into the corners. Bake for about 35 minutes, test with a toothpick, it should not have moist crumbs. Depending on your oven it might take another 5 minutes.
Remove pan from oven, let cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove the cake from the pan and allow to cool completely on a rack. (I flip the cake upside down to remove from the pan and then flip it right side up again onto the rack.)
Cut into sixteen pieces when completely cool and enjoy! Store in a covered container, it will stay fresh for several days. Enjoy!