Do you ever crave something a little bit crunchy but also soft, chewy, fruity, and just a little bit sweet? These homemade Granola bars with dried fruit are a great go-to snack and are incredibly easy to make.
They are a much nicer alternative to store-bought versions as you can modify them with favourite ingredients, and they are likely much lower in sugar and not full of preservatives.
This recipe combines oatmeal, chopped nuts, dried apricots, dates and apples – but you can really use whatever dried fruit you choose. There is also honey, butter and brown sugar that help to bind the granola bars together. You can modify the amounts if you choose, but the bars may be slightly crumbly.
Granola Bars with Dried Fruit
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oatmeal
- 1 cup corn flakes
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apples
- 1/2 cup chopped dried dates
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spread oatmeal, walnuts and almonds on the cookie sheet and place in the oven for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the oatmeal mixture from the oven and add crushed cornflakes. Toss to combine. Place back in the oven and bake for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and pour the mixture into a large bowl.
- Turn oven down to 300 degrees.
- Prepare a 13" x 9" baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Meanwhile, combine honey, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and butter in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture on medium heat. Whisk continuously until all items are melted evenly.
- Pour the honey mixture into the oat mixture and stir until evenly blended. Let cool for a couple of minutes, and then toss in the dried fruit. Stir to combine evenly.
- Pour blended mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth evenly using a spatula or large spoon to flatten.
- Return to oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Set aside and let completely cool for about an hour.
- Once cooled, lift the parchment with granola from the baking pan onto a cutting board. Cut into even rectangular or square pieces.
- Store in a tin in a single layer or wrap individually to grab and go!
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