Vegan Granola Bars

Ingredients

Rolled oats

2 cups

Mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)

1 cup, chopped

Dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, apricots, raisins)

1 cup, chopped

Peanut butter (or almond butter)

1/2 cup

Maple syrup

1/2 cup

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

Salt

1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, and dried fruit. Stir well to distribute evenly.
3. In a small saucepan, gently heat the maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, stir until all the oats, nuts, and fruit are thoroughly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly to ensure the bars hold together once baked.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.