Chewy Granola Bars
Chewy Granola Bars
While it may be tempting to skip the step of toasting the oats, nuts, and seeds, it’s crucial; it adds a rich layer of flavor to these homemade bars.
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Yield: 12 bars
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
2½ cups rolled oats1½ cups hazelnuts, chopped in food processor
¾ cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup dried apricots
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup honey
¼ cup water
½ cup sunflower-seed butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1½ cups crisped rice cereal
Preparation Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F Convection Mode with a rack set at position “2.”
- Combine oats, chopped hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds on a baking tray and toast in the oven for 12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Set oven to 200°F Convection Mode.
- Combine apricots, brown sugar, and salt in food processor; process until apricots are finely ground. Add vanilla, honey, and water; process until a paste forms. Add the sunflower-seed butter and blend until mixed.
- In a wide bowl, combine apricot puree and toasted nut mixture; use a spatula to fold together. Add chocolate chips and mix for 1 minute; it’s okay if chocolate melts slightly. Add the crisped rice cereal and mix until evenly distributed.
- Line a 9-by-12-inch pan with foil, letting edges of the foil extend at least 2 inches past the pan on both ends.
- Spread granola evenly across pan. Cover with parchment paper; press granola firmly into a uniform layer, filling in any gaps. Remove parchment.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until slightly browned around the edges. Remove from oven. Let granola cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then use excess foil tabs to transfer to a cooling rack. Once cooled, remove foil and cut granola into desired portions.