Homemade Granola Bars

By Joelene

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/4 cup flax seeds
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1-1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 cup dried fruit, chopped (apricots, dates, cranberries, blueberries, raisins, etc.)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the flax seeds.

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 dried fruit and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting. Wrap in individual servings and store in your pantry.

*Melted butter and sugar can burn, so make sure to keep the kids away from the stove.