These Granola Bars are packed with good things and are perfect for fueling your energy! They are soft, chewy, nutty, perfectly sweetened, and loaded with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
3 tablespoon (50g)creamy natural and unsalted peanut butter
1teaspoonpure vanilla
½ cup (60g)finely chopped dried apricots
½ cup (60g)dried cranberries
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Butter a 9-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper.
Spread oats, almonds, and coconut across the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mix well and add pumpkin seeds and salt. Mix well to combine and set aside.
Add honey, brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Boil for a minute, then pour over the oatmeal mixture. Mix well using a spatula or large spoon until everything is well combined. Add apricots and cranberries and stir well.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Then, press down the mixture evenly using your hands (dampen your hands with a bit of water to avoid the mixture sticking to your hands).
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bars are golden brown.
Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before lifting them from the pan. Use a large, sharp knife to cut the bars into equal portions.
Storing Suggestions
Tightly wrapped, store these bars at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
For a quick grab-and-go, wrap each bar individually into parchment paper and store it in a container.
They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Notes
The Granola Bar Mixture Is Dry: After pouring the honey mixture, if the oat mixture looks dry and not sticky, add 1-2 tablespoon of honey. If you do not want to use more sweetener, add peanut butter as needed.
Pressing The Mixture In The Pan: The granola mixture must be pressed into the baking pan very well. You can use a spatula to spread and push the mixture evenly in the pan, but I suggest using your hands to pack it tightly. Wet your hands with water and then use it to spread the mix.
Peanut Butter: If you do not want to use peanut butter, add 2 tablespoon of oil or melted butter.