Homemade Granola Bars Simple and Tasty Snack Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped
• 1 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 2 cups honey or maple syrup
• 1 2 cups nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
• 1 4 cup brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 4 teaspoon salt
• 1 2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), nut butter, brown sugar (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Fold in the dried fruit until evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, lift the granola out using the parchment paper and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, cut into bars or squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.