5 Ingredient Chewy Granola Bars

I've been on the hunt for some chewy granola bars that actually hold together once they are out of the fridge for agessssss. There's no point making snacks if you can't take them with you when you're out and about! Luckily for me (and you guys!) I finally hit the nail on the head this week with these babies and with just 5 ingredients! 

I used the last of my dried apricots that I carted back to Melbourne from Tuscany with me as well as the last of my Italian summer honey testing these bars, which just means I'll have to go back soon and get more :P 

Most recipes for granola bars have coconut oil in them. I don't mind coconut oil but I just don't love the flavour enough to use it in these bars so I use butter instead. I think butter and honey are one of life's greatest combinations, creamy and sweet and just perfectly paired with oats and seeds. But if you prefer coconut oil, it will substitute very well. You could also use rice malt syrup in place of honey if you prefer. I, again, just don't personally like the flavour/flavourlessness of rice malt syrup very much.

Because these chewy granola bars are nut-free too, you can easily pop them into lunch boxes for school and kinder and then one for your work bag while you're at it!

These bars only need an hour or so in the freezer to set and then you're good to go on eating them. I hope you guys enjoy making them, they really SO simple and just SO delicious and I just know you'll love them as much as I do!

Happy cooking,
Mel x

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup honey

55g butter

3/4 cup pepitas, roughly chopped

3/4 cup dried apricots, diced finely

Method

Line a square brownie pan 20cm x 20cm with baking paper

Place all ingredients into a large saucepan and heat on low until butter and honey have melted

Stir to combine well and simmer on low for a further 5 minutes to toast oats and seeds, stirring every minute or so

Carefully spoon mixture from pan into brownie pan, pressing down firming and evenly with a silicone spatula (this shouldn't stick too much)

Place into freezer to set for an hour (or more) then remove from pan, slice into 10 equal portion and store in an airtight container in the fridge

*if you don't have a silicone spatula, wet you hand slightly and press granola bar mixture into brownie pan with your wet hand, it won't be sticky. Re-wet your hand as needed. Just be careful as the mixture may be hot.