Chewy Granola Bars

Ingredients

• ●200 g (2 cups) rolled oats
• ●80 g (½ cup) mixed seeds or nuts (sunflower, pumpkin, sliced almonds), chopped
• ●65 g (½ cup) dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots), chopped
• ●60 g (½ cup) chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
• ●120 g (⅓ cup) honey or maple syrup
• ●65 g (¼ cup) nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower seed)
• ●2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
• ●1 tsp vanilla extract
• ●½ tsp fine sea salt
• ●½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 165°C (325°F). Line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Spread the oats and nuts on a baking sheet. Toast for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer to a large bowl. Add dried fruit and chocolate chips.
3. In a small saucepan, warm the honey, nut butter, and coconut oil over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Transfer to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly using the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands (oiled to prevent sticking). Really compress it — this is what holds the bars together.
6. Bake 20-22 minutes until the edges are golden. (They'll still look soft — they firm up as they cool.)
7. Let cool completely in the pan (at least 1 hour, or refrigerate for 30 minutes). Lift out using the parchment and cut into bars.
8. *Storage:** Room temperature in an airtight container for 1 week. Refrigerator for 2 weeks. Freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months.