Chewy bars bursting with oats, seeds, nuts, and honey for healthy snacking anytime.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crispy rice cereal
03 - ½ cup raw sunflower seeds
04 - ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
05 - ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
06 - ½ cup chopped dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
07 - ¼ teaspoon salt
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - ½ cup honey or maple syrup
10 - ½ cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
11 - ¼ cup unsalted butter
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
02 - In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, chocolate chips (if using), dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon.
03 - Over medium heat in a small saucepan, stir honey, peanut butter, and butter until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
04 - Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
05 - Transfer mixture into prepared pan and press firmly and evenly with a spatula or measuring cup bottom.
06 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until edges turn golden brown.
07 - Allow to cool completely in pan. Lift using parchment overhang and cut into 16 bars.
08 - Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
