Fruit and Nut Granola Bars

Ingredients

• •2 cups rolled oats
• •1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• •1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
• •1/2 cup mixed nuts (chopped)
• •1/2 cup dried fruits (chopped, e.g., cranberries, apricots)
• •1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds
• •1 tsp vanilla extract
• •1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• •1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt.

3. 3

   In a small saucepan over low heat, mix the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

4. 4

   Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.

5. 5

   Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or your hands.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges.

7. 7

   Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift it out using the parchment paper and let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.