Recipe for Gluten Free & Dairy Free Chewy Granola Bars

I decided to try making my own granola bars!

They transport easily in baggies, you can put whatever you want in them , and they're high-fiber snacks with a boost of protein that gives you energy to keep going.

I bought all my ingredients for homemade granola bars in bulk and made 16 granola bars for a fraction of the cost it would be to buy the same amount of organic granola bars.  They were quick, easy to make, and absolutely delicious at any time of the day.

Pair one of these bad boys with a banana and a cup of coffee in the morning, and they're the perfect filling breakfast!

These power-packed granola bars are an altered version of this recipe by Ina Garten.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups gluten free rolled oats

• 1 cup sliced almonds

• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

• 1/4 cup organic flaxseed

• 1 cup finely shredded organic unsweetened coconut, loosely packed

• 1/2 cup chia seeds

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons vegan butter (such as Miyokos)

• 2/3 cup raw honey

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, golden raisins, currants (your choice!)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven to 350F degrees.  Butter an 9"x 13" baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Mix the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together and pour onto a parchment lined sheet pan.  Bake the dry ingredients for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so they do not burn, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ, cinnamon, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds.  Add your apricots and cranberries and mix well to be sure they are evenly incorporated.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300F degrees.

Put the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a pan or small pot and gently bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir the ingredients gently until they are melted and well combined.  Once all are ingredients are liquified, pour this syrup into the mixing bowl with the oats mixture.

Pour the oat mixture into your parchment lined pan and press the mixture evenly into the pan (you can wet your hands and do it that way, or use the back of a flat spatula). Bake the bars at 300F for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before attempting to cut these into bars.

Store the bars in an airtight container in between layers of waxed paper for a grab-and-go snack.