Makes 12
Easy to make and loaded with flavor, you can customize these granola bars to include your favorite ingredients. For example, you can substitute any kind of chopped nuts for the sunflower seeds or peanuts, or swap out a different kind of nut butter in place of the peanut butter. It is important that you use ground flaxseeds, available at natural food stores. If you buy whole flaxseeds, you can grind them at home in a spice grinder. If you’re gluten-sensitive, be sure your oats are gluten-free. For soy-free, use a soy-free vegan butter.
Gluten Free
Soy-Free Option
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup sunflower seeds
3/4 cup ground flaxseeds
1/2 cup chopped unsalted peanuts (or other chopped nuts)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2/3 cup peanut or other nut butter
1/3 cup vegan butter
1/3 cup natural sugar
1 tablespoon apple juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, peanuts, raisins, and coconut in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, peanut butter, butter, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the apple juice, vanilla, and baking soda, and remove from the heat.
Pour into the oats mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Place a piece of plastic wrap on top and top with another pan or a book that will fit inside the baking pan to weight it down. Use your hands to press down on the weight firmly and evenly so that the mixture spreads evenly in the pan. Remove the weight and the plastic wrap and bake for 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until firm. Use a sharp knife to cut into twelve (1 1/3- x 4-inch) bars and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.