Granola Bars
This recipe can be made without the corn syrup, but it will result in bars that are firmer, less chewy, and a bit crumblier.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or 1/2 cup old fashioned oats pulsed in a food processor until finely ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup raw almonds, rough chopped
- 3/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/3 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven and prepare baking pan:
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on 2 opposite sides to form a “sling.” You will use the overhang to lift the bars out of the pan once they have cooled.
Combine the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, stir together the oats, oat flour, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Prepare the mix ins:
Add the chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, chopped dried cherries, and unsweetened coconut flakes or 2 1/ 2 cups of mix-ins of your choice to bowl with oat mixture.
Simmer wet ingredients:
In a small saucepan over medium heat combine the almond butter, coconut oil, honey, and corn syrup using a heat proof spatula.
Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Continue to simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly to ensure the nut butter does not burn. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine and shape granola bars:
Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture. Use a rubber spatula to combine until everything is fully coated.
Transfer the granola mixture to the parchment-lined baking pan. Place a piece of parchment paper on top of the mixture and use your hands to spread and press it evenly into the pan. Using the bottom of a cup, firmly press the mixture down until it is even, flat, and compact. Remove the top piece of parchment.
Bake granola bars:
Place the bars in the oven and bake until the edges just begin to turn golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Chill:
Remove pan from the oven place on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes. Then transfer the pan uncovered to the fridge for another 30 minutes
Cut and enjoy:
Use the parchment sling to transfer the granola to a cutting board. Using a chef’s knife, cut into 12 bars (one cut down the center and 5 cuts across).