Homemade Granola Bars
The best part about Homemade Granola Bars is that you can customize them to your taste. If you don't like dried apricots then you can use dried blueberries or cherries. How about adding some roasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans? The different variations are just about endless.
My wife and I love to sit out on the deck in the morning and eat granola bars with our coffee. However, I am getting a bit concerned that the squirrels are going to mug us one day.
Granola Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup whole or sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
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- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
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Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter an 8 x12-inch baking dish or 9 x13 baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
Combine the oatmeal, almonds, sunflower seeds and coconut together in a baking pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. (Watch that it doesn't burn)
Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
Reduce the oven temp to 300 degrees F.
Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture.
Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown.
Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares.
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Return from Homemade Granola Bars to Bar Cookie Recipes
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