hello purplegrower02
this recipe is pretty close to the taste of one of those nature valley bars
it is a no bake recipe that calls for coconut oil, and some of the optional ingredients can be replaced with extra peanuts, or you can start with extra chunky peanut butter
this recipe takes about 15 mins, and yields about 12 bars in a 13x9 pyrex
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or your favorite nut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, optional
Directions
- In a medium pot set over medium-low heat, melt together nut butter, honey, and coconut oil, stirring until smooth. Remove from stove and stir in oats and coconut. Pour mixture into a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Spread into an even layer, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips (if using), and firmly press down with the back of a spatula or clean hands. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Slice into squares or bars (I like to cut 3 rows of 4 bars each) and remove from pan. Store granola bars in the refrigerator, either in an airtight container with wax paper separating the layers, or individually wrapped in plastic wrap.
Tips, Tricks, & Variations
You may substitute chopped nuts, rice crispy cereal, sunflower seeds, and/or dried fruit for the coconut, or add them additionally. For a chocolate flavored granola bar, you may stir chocolate chips into the oat mixture, where they will partially or completely melt.