Healthy Chewy Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

Step 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.

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.