Wholesome granola bars full of oats, nuts, seeds, and a touch of honey—great for snacking anytime.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crispy rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
04 - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
05 - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
06 - 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
10 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
11 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix oats, rice cereal, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, chocolate chips if using, dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
03 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, and butter. Stir until smooth and melted. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is uniformly coated.
05 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly using a spatula or flat-bottomed measuring cup.
06 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
07 - Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment overhang and slice into 16 bars.
08 - Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for extended storage.
