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5 from 1 vote

Fruit and Nut Granola Bars

No-bake fruit and nut granola bars are an easy snack to meal prep for your work week! Made with pantry staples, and bursting with flavor thanks for the dried cranberries and blueberries!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Chill + Resting Time4 hours 15 minutes
Total Time4 hours 27 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 296kcal
Author: Denise Bustard

Ingredients

  • ½ cup honey 156 g; note 1
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil 74 g; note 2
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 ½ cup chopped nuts almonds & pecans
  • ½ cup dried fruit cranberries & blueberries
  • 3 cups rolled oats 284 g; note 3

Instructions

  • Simmer - Combine honey and coconut oil in a medium pot. Bring to a simmer, and once pot starts bubbling up all over, start the timer for 1.5 minutes (see note 4).
  • Rest - When time is up, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, and salt. Let it cool down for 10-15 minutes.
  • Prepare pan- While pot is cooling, prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper (I secure mine with binder clips).
  • Combine - Stir in all dry ingredients including dried fruit, nuts, and rolled oats. Mix until evenly coated and press into the prepared pan. Spray a spatula with oil and press down into the pan. Press firmly (I go through and press 2-3 times, spraying spatula again as needed). (See note 5)
  • Chill- Cool in the fridge for 4 hours- overnight (overnight is best!), before slicing into bars.

Notes

  1. Maple syrup may not be substituted. Other sweeteners have not been tested.
  2. Refined coconut oil recommended for a less coconut-prominent flavor.
  3. Also called 'large flake' or 'old fashioned'. Quick oats or steel cut oats will not work in this recipe.
  4. Make sure to take the time to simmer the mixture for 1 minute! This is extremely important in helping the bars stick together.
  5. If the bars are too warm to press down thoroughly, place in the fridge for 10 minutes, then press them down a second time.
Storage
These granola bars MUST be stored in the fridge, otherwise, they become too soft and will crumble.
  • fridge - stored in an airtight container, they are good for 1 week in the fridge.
  • freezer - wrap loosely in parchment paper, and place in a meal prep container or sturdy freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg