Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

I found this recipe and had to try it. I have seen a number of granola bar recipes that are similar and I think you can make changes and the bars will still turn out. I used dried apples but I think any dried fruit that is a bit chewy will work.

Healthy Chewy Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

from Lovely Little Kitchen at http://lovelylittlekitchen.com/healthy-chewy-apple-cinnamon-granola-bars/

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup old fashioned oats

1 cup chopped nuts (I used pecans)

1/4 cup flax seeds

4 tablespoons coconut oil

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal (I used Rice Krispies)

1/2 cup dried apples, diced (I cut up with kitchen shears)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9 by 9 inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray and lining it

with parchment paper, leaving excess hanging over the sides for easy removal later.

2. Spread oats, nuts, and flax seeds out in an even layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

3. Bake for 5-8 minutes, watching closely for the oats to just start to brown and become fragrant.

4. In a small sauce pan, bring honey, coconut oil, and brown sugar to a simmer over medium heat. Stir to dissolve

sugar for 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and set aside.

5. In a large bowl, combine puffed rice cereal, dried apples, cinnamon and salt. Stir in the oat mixture, and pour in

the honey mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.

6. Press into your prepared 9 by 9 inch square baking dish. Use another piece of parchment paper on top to pack it

down and press it into the corners.

7. Place them in the refrigerator to chill for an hour before removing from the baking dish to cut into bars. Serve at

room temperature.

You might want to stop over at Lovely Little Kitchen. She has a number of recipes that sound wonderful.  I'll be trying the Blueberry Muffin Energy Bites soon!