Granola Bars
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 20-40
Ingredients
  • 2 cups regular oats
  • ¾ cup nuts and/or seeds {I used of a mix of hemp hearts, natural pumpkin seeds (shelled) and flax seeds to total ¾ cup}
  • You could also use: coconut; sunflower seeds (shelled); chopped pistachios, pine nuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts, cashews}
  • 11/4 cups dried fruit (I used a combination of dried cranberries, blueberries and pomegranate to total 11/4 cups}
  • You could also use coarsely chopped; dried cherries, apple, apricot, mango, fig, papaya, plum, pear, tomato or raisins.
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (You could substitute with semi-sweet, milk or white chocolate)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup {I used maple syrup but you could easily use honey or a combination of both)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
  • 3 Tbsp.peanut butter (optional - If not using peanut butter add an additional 1½ Tbsp. vegetable oil.)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  3. Measure oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, brown sugar and peanut butter into a small saucepan.
  4. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until mixture is smooth and sugar is dissolved. Add vanilla.
  5. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the oatmeal, fruit, nuts and seeds.
  6. Add the cooked liquid mixture to the oatmeal mixture and stir until the dry ingredients are well coated. It will take a few minutes for it to all come together. The mixture should be slightly sticky and begin to clump together. {Add more honey/maple syrup if necessary.)
  7. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  8. Using an offset spatula or the back of a large spoon, press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are ever so lightly browned. Cool completely and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours or overnight before cutting into 20 bars or 40 squares.
  10. Store in an airtight container in the the refrigerator,
Recipe by Older Mommy Still Yummy at https://oldermommystillyummy.com/2014/04/how-to-make-granola-bars.html