Chewy Honey Granola Bars

These Chewy Honey Granola Bars are the perfect snack for anyone seeking a healthy and satisfying treat. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, dried fruits, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are naturally sweetened with honey, giving them a deliciously chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, midday snacks, or a quick energy boost before a workout. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins to make a batch that’s truly your own!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans), roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
2. Toast the Oats and Nuts: Spread the oats and chopped nuts on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the granola bars.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, applesauce, and nut butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats and nuts with the dried fruits. Pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated. If using chocolate chips or seeds, fold them in once the mixture has cooled slightly.
5. Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased or dampened) to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Ensure it is packed tightly for the bars to hold together.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center will still be slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into bars or squares.
8. Store: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy these chewy, delicious, and wholesome granola bars anytime you need a quick and healthy snack!