Salty & Sweet Granola Bars

Salty & Sweet Granola Bars

I don't think I have a sweet tooth. I never usually crave sugar- I always find myself craving salty food. Like... chips. If I were stuck on an island and could pick one thing to eat for the rest of my life, it would be chips. Doritos to be exact. 👅

But when a sugar craving does hit me here and there, options can be limited. We all want sugar, but I'm sure we all hate that guilty feeling after we binge on sugary foods. 

SO! I have put together these granola bars for you. I didn't even mention the best part yet: they're NO BAKE! You don't need an oven, you don't need to check on them... just pop them in the fridge for a few hours and you're set with a half sweet, half salty, fully delicious granola bar. Give them a try! You won't regret it. 😋

SALTY & SWEET GRANOLA BARS

Yields: 12 bars if made in an 8x8 pan (also depending on cut size)

INGREDIENTS:

- 1/2 cup of honey

- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter

- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

- 3/4 cup of oats

- 1/2 cup of rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)

- 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels

- pinch of salt

- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries

- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup of pepitas 

- heaping 1/3 cup of chocolate chips

TO MAKE:

1. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt down the honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir everything together to make sure everything is melted and incorporated. Set aside and allow to cool and thicken slightly as you prepare the other ingredients.

3. In a bigger bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Stir so everything is evenly incorporated.

4. Add in the liquid mixture to the dry mixture and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is well incorporated. 

5. Transfer the granola mixture to your prepared baking pan and (using clean hands) spread the mixture evenly. I typically use the back of a metal spoon to flatten and level the mixture out evenly. 

6. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and place in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours.

7. Once your granola is set, cut into pieces and enjoy!