Easy homemade granola bars

Making your own granola bars at home is not only a fun and rewarding experience, but it's also a much healthier alternative than buying store-bought granola bars that contain added sugars and preservatives. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make easy homemade granola bars using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or flax seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, and dried fruit. Stir to mix well.

3. In a small saucepan, heat the honey, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat until melted and well-combined.

4. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until the oats are well-coated.

5. If using any optional add-ins, stir them into the mixture now.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and use your hands or a spatula to press the mixture firmly into the dish.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cool, cut the mixture into bars or squares.

9. Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Tips:

- Swap out the nuts and dried fruit for your favorites or whatever you have on hand.
- Use a fork to press the mixture into the dish to avoid sticking to your hands.
- For a softer granola bar, bake for less time. For a crunchier bar, bake for a longer time.
- You can also choose to use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.

Overall, making your own granola bars is an easy and customizable way to snack healthily. Once you've mastered this recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy!