GRANOLA BARS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

by

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews), roughly chopped
  • ½ cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins, apricots), chopped if large
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruit.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), nut butter, and coconut oil until melted and well-blended. Remove from heat, then add salt and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well-coated.
  5. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure the bars hold together.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool completely, then lift from the dish and cut into bars.

Tips:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
  • Add a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter treat!