Fruit And Nut Granola Bars

These Fruit and Nut Granola Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, offering a satisfying, energy-boosting snack that’s both delicious and nutritious. Packed with a hearty mix of rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, these bars provide a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats—making them an excellent choice for a grab-and-go breakfast, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or even a post-workout snack. The combination of honey and peanut butter binds everything together, creating a slightly chewy texture with a hint of sweetness. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins, like almonds, walnuts, raisins, or dried cranberries, and enjoy the goodness of whole ingredients in every bite. Best of all, these bars are easy to make, require no baking, and can be stored for a week, making them perfect for meal prep or for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.), chopped
• 1/4 cup seeds (sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates)
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is well distributed.
2. Melt the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and coconut oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and melted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well to coat everything evenly. The mixture should be sticky but still hold together. If it’s too dry, add a small splash of water or more honey to help bind it.
4. Press into Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pour the granola mixture into the pan and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to compact it into an even layer. This step is important for ensuring the bars hold together when you cut them.
5. Chill the Bars: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set. This will make it easier to cut the bars into neat squares or rectangles.
6. Cut and Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the pan and cut them into 12-16 pieces, depending on your preferred size. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.