Your kids will love to help choose the extra ingredients, help measure, mix and most of all, use the masher to level the surface of these homemade granola bars. I really like to make a different batch each time. I recommend Trader Joe’s Unsalted Blister Peanuts because of their amazing crunchy texture and they are delicious, even though there is no added salt.
Healthy Sticky Chewy Pull-Apart Oat Bars
Makes 9 Bars
Ingredients:
¾ stick unsalted butter (or 1/3 Cup)
½ Cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp honey
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ Cups oats
2 Tbsp flour
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp cinnamon
1/2 Cup shredded, sweetened coconut
¼ Cup chopped peanuts
Then you can add a handful of some or all of the following: chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, chopped dried cherries, chopped dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, toasted walnuts, toasted hazelnuts, and/or mini chocolate chips.
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8” square baking dish. Melt butter, brown sugar, honey and vanilla over medium low heat. In a large bowl, add oats, flour, salt, cinnamon, coconut, peanuts and any extra dried fruits, nuts or seeds you want to add and mix together. Once melted, pour the warm butter mixture into the oat mixture and stir well to incorporate. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish and press it down using a masher to level the surface. Bake 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely, cut into squares and enjoy.
