Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup nut butter (e.g., almond butter, peanut butter)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Toast Oats and Nuts: Spread the oats and chopped nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Stir halfway through to ensure even toasting. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil (or butter), and nut butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats and nuts with the dried fruit and chocolate chips (if using). Pour the warm honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is well coated and combined.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to compact the mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring your bars hold together well.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the mixture to cool completely in the pan before lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into bars or squares.
- Store: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Customization Ideas:
- Add-ins: Try adding seeds (like chia or flaxseeds), shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Sweeteners: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup, or even use a bit of brown sugar.
