Nutty Honey Homemade Granola Bars

Presented by Ben Smith

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter

1/4 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Spread the oats and chopped nuts evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

In a small saucepan, heat the honey and peanut butter (or almond butter) over low heat until melted and smooth, stirring frequently.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats and nuts, dried fruit, mini chocolate chips (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pour the melted honey and peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Once cooled, lift the granola bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into bars of your desired size.

Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.