Healthy Muesli Bars

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats (preferably old-fashioned or gluten-free)
  • ½ cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews), chopped
  • ½ cup seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin, or sunflower)
  • ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • ½ cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, or dates), chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • ½ cup natural nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
• 2 tablespoons of protein powder (for an extra boost)
• 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds or other superfoods

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:
   • Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, dried fruits, cinnamon, and salt. If you’re adding chocolate chips, protein powder, or any other add-ins, mix them in now.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine:
   • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything until the dry ingredients are fully coated with the wet mixture.
5. Press into the Pan:
   • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use the back of the spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together.
6. Chill:
   • Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or in the freezer for 30 minutes) until the mixture is firm and set.
7. Cut into Bars:
   • Once set, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares of your desired size.
8. Store:
   • Store the muesli bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
9. Enjoy!
   • These muesli bars make a perfect grab-and-go snack or a quick breakfast option.

This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste or dietary needs!

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