Chewy bars filled with oats, nuts, and fruit, ideal for quick snacks or outdoor treats.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crisp rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
04 - 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots)
05 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
08 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Add-Ins
10 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
11 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed meal
# Steps:
01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, mixed nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
03 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and peanut butter. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour warm wet mixture over dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly coated.
05 - Allow mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes before stirring in chocolate chips to prevent melting.
06 - Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula or measuring cup until compact.
07 - Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top if desired. Press gently to adhere.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until completely set.
09 - Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 12 equal bars. Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.
