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Chewy Homemade Granola Bars

Ingredients

  • 1 2/3 cups quick rolled oats {if gluten-free be sure to use gluten-free oats}
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup oat flour {or make your own by putting oats in your blender or food processor pulsing until finely ground}
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 to 3 cups dried fruits and nuts {I used 1 cup pecans 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut, 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cherries, and 1/2 cup chocolate chips}
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter or another nut butter {I used almond butter}
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter {or coconut oil}
  • 1/4 cup honey maple syrup or corn syrup {I used raw honey}
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9" x 9" pan in parchment paper, allowing it to go up the sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper and the exposed pan, or coat with a non-stick spray.
  • Stir together all the dry ingredients, including the fruit and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: peanut {or nut} butter, vanilla, melted butter or oil, sweetener and water. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry until well incorporated. Spread in the prepared pan, pressing firmly to ensure the mixture is molded to the shape of the pan.
  • Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes, until slightly brown on the top and around the edges {make sure you do not over bake! The bars will seem soft if you press in the center, however; they will set completely once completely cool.}
  • Cool the bars in their pan completely, or place in the refrigerator to facilitate cooling and ease of cutting. If you used parchment paper, lift and remove the bars by grabbing the edges of the "parchment sling." Use a serrated knife to cut the bars into squares. To store, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and keep in an airtight container on the counter or in the refrigerator. These bars can also be frozen. Enjoy!