I’m still on this granola bar kick, and this time I tried some different ingredients with a no-bake technique. These are packed with nutrients like flax, oats and healthy fats, and some basic spices for added flavor. The peanut butter flavor is very strong, and the textures of seeds and crunch is really nice.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 C old fashioned oats
• 1 C puffed brown rice cereal (or any kind of puffed cereal)
• 1/4 C sunflower seeds
• 1/4 C each chopped dates and craisins
• 2 T ground flaxseed meal
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 C brown rice syrup
• 1/3 C creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla

A few things to note about ingredients:

I always talk about Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter, but for baking, I use a generic very creamy butter. Partly because it’s cheaper, and also because the texture and flavor is strictly peanuts and more liquidy.

I use dates instead of raisins because I like their added sticky-ness. You can also use any dried fruit, I just always have these in my pantry.

This was my first time using brown rice syrup, which I read a lot about. It is a similar texture to honey, but I have read that one cannot be substituted for the other.

Instructions:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and spices.
• In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine vanilla, syrup and peanut butter. Microwave for 20-25 seconds until easier to stir.

• Once combined, add the wet to the dry and stir well. The liquid is very thick and sticky so work hard.
• In a square baking dish, pour mixture evenly and press down with back of spoon. Press it well because it’s not going to bake.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting.

I flipped mine over to cut them very smoothly. Slice into squares or rectangular bars. Would make 12 bars or about 15 squares.

Keep refrigerated so the bars stay whole and don’t crumble. I individually wrapped mine in Saran Wrap.

These held together much better than my first try at bars. They are chewy because it wasn’t baked and crunchy because of the puffed cereal. I loved the flavor a lot, love the pieces of dried fruit, and love the look. I still wish they cut prettier and held together better. But for homemade, they are a keeper. Would be great to add to a lunch or have as part of a snack. Or crumble in yogurt or cottage cheese.