Energetic Oat Energy Bars with Nuts and Dried Fruit

Ingredients

• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g. raisins, cranberries)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  pinch of salt

Instructions

1. 1 Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2 Spread the oats and nuts on the baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden brown.
3. 3 Remove from the oven and let them cool. Chop the nuts roughly.
4. 4 Put the oats, nuts, and dried fruit in a large bowl.
5. 5 In a small saucepan, heat the honey or maple syrup, peanut butter or almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth.
6. 6 Pour the sauce over the oat mixture and stir well until everything is well combined.
7. 7 Spread the mixture into a rectangular shape lined with parchment paper and press it firmly.
8. 8 Place the mold in the refrigerator and let it set for at least 2 hours.
9. 9 Once the bars are firm, cut them into bars or cubes. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.