Granola bars are a great on-the-go snack or treat. They are also incredibly easy to make. The fiber in the rolled oats and the healthy medium-chain fatty acids in the extra virgin coconut oil make this recipe heart-healthy as well as delicious!
Since February is Heart Health Month – whip up a batch to share with your friends and loved ones!
Preheat oven to 300˚F.
Combine:
1 ½ cup rolled oats
¾ cup flaked coconut
1 ¼ cup nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, etc. Larger nuts should be coarsely chopped or flaked)
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp flaxseed meal
½ – 2/3 cup dried fruit pieces (cherries, raisins, craisins, chopped apricots, dates, etc.)
Melt and combine in a small saucepan over low heat:
Generous 1/3 cup honey
4 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Stir wet and dry ingredients together well. Line a 9×13 cookie sheet (one with sides) with baking parchment, leaving some parchment sticking up on edges. Distribute mixture evenly and press down firmly with a spatula.
Optional – sprinkle 1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips over the top of the bars and press in firmly.
Bake bars for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Lift off of the pan using the parchment edges and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into small squares. Store in an airtight container.
Variations: try different combinations of nuts, dried fruit and spices. Some good combinations are craisin and chocolate chip, apricot and cardamom, cinnamon raisin, or dates with cinnamon and an added ¼ tsp ginger, nutmeg, or allspice.
Note: If you are having trouble with burning, check your oven temperature. Many ovens do not hold an accurate temperature, or are off by up to 25˚! Also, finer ingredients will require more moisture, so if your bars are not holding together, or you are substituting finely chopped nuts, increase the honey by a tablespoon, or until desired texture is reached.
The Healthy Home Cook 