1/2cupdairy-free, nut-free chocolate chunks or chips
Instructions
Line your 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper
Pulse the oats a few times if you would like them in smaller bits...I prefer this. Otherwise, it's okay to keep the oats whole.
Grab a large bowl and put in the oats, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir with spoon or clean hands. I prefer to use my hands.
Add the dried fruit, crisp rice, sunflower seeds, and chocolate chunks to the bowl. Stir.
Combine coconut oil, vanilla, and honey into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is bubbling. Remove from heat.
Take the honey/oil mixture and pour over the dry ingredients. Stir using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Once everything is coated with the honey/oil mixture, dump it all into the lined 8 x 8 pan. PRESS FIRMLY INTO THE PAN. This is how they stay together. Super important!
Cover the pan with foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Two hours+ is ideal. Once formed, remove the block of mixture from the pan and cut it into bars to the size of your liking.
Store the granola bars in a Zip-Lock bag or air-tight container in the frig. for up to 7 days.
Notes
Please note the calories and cost are estimated. These would be more expensive if you went the organic route. And the calories will differ depending on the size you cut them...not to mention other ingredients you may add.These bars are excellent on their own, but feel free to add peanuts, almonds, walnuts, or other nuts for a meater bar. You can experiment by adding peanut butter, if you do, put it in the saucepan with the honey/oil mixture. Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or dried cherries would be amazing in this granola bar recipe as well. Enjoy!