Nutritious bars made with oats, nuts, and dried fruit, ready in just over an hour with no baking needed.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crisp rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
04 - 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or 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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to overhang the sides for convenient removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
03 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and peanut butter. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir vigorously until all components are evenly coated with the binding liquid.
05 - Allow the mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes before folding in chocolate chips if using, to prevent premature melting.
06 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup until compact.
07 - Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on the surface if desired, pressing them gently into the mixture to ensure adhesion.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture is completely set and firm to the touch.
09 - Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
