Crunchy bars with roasted pumpkin seeds, cranberries, oats, almonds, and honey for a nutritious snack.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup roasted unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
03 - 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
04 - 1/2 cup chopped almonds
05 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
09 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# Method steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, almonds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and sea salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Stir continuously until mixture gently boils, then simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour warm wet mixture over dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to coat the dry ingredients evenly.
05 - Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using a spatula or parchment sheet, press firmly and evenly into the pan for a compact texture.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
07 - Remove from oven and allow bars to cool fully in the pan, approximately 1 hour.
08 - Lift the granola slab from the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 even bars with a sharp knife.
