Homemade Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup almonds sliced
• 1 cup coconut or shredded loosely packed
• 0.5 cup dates pitted chopped
• 0.5 cup apricots dried chopped
• 0.5 cup cranberries dried
• 0.7 cup honey 
• 0.3 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 0.3 cup brown sugar light packed
• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal 
• 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract pure
• 0.5 cup wheat germ toasted

Equipment

• frying pan
• sauce pan
• baking paper
• oven
• mixing bowl
• baking pan

Directions

1. Watch how to make this recipe.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
3. Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
4. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
6. Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture.
7. Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan.
9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares.
10. Serve at room temperature.