Dark Chocolate and Cranberry Granola Bars

Healthy homemade granola bars! Our family goes through dozens of granola bars per week, even the so called "healthy" granola bars are filled with ingredients I can't even pronounce. Plus, with Nate having severe tree nuts allergies, 75% of granola bars are off limits to him. Making homemade granola bars ensures that he will be safe since I know and control what goes into them. Trying to eat cleaner in 2020 and these simple ingredient bars are delicious and perfect for us. And they are so simple to make!

Dark Chocolate and Cranberry Granola Bars

Ingredients:

(**I double this recipe)

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup butter cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom and sides of an 8 or 9 inch square pan with aluminum foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. Add oats and sunflower seeds to a small baking sheet then bake for 5 minutes, stir and bake another 5 minutes until lightly toasted. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Combine butter, honey, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Pour butter mixture into a bowl with toasted oats and sunflower seeds. Mix well. Let cool completely and then add cranberries and chocolate chips. Stir to combine.
4. Transfer oat mixture to lined pan then use a rubber spatula or finger tips coated in a light spray of cooking spray to firmly press the mixture into the pan. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Remove block of granola from pan and remove foil. Cut into squares.

Tips ~ Keep refrigerated wrapped in wax paper. Double or triple this recipe for more bars or thicker bars!