Crispy, nutty, spicy, and lightly sweet granola bars that are the perfect healthy fall snack.Make sure to let the granola bars rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours before baking. Also make sure to let them cool completely to room temperature before cutting up and serving.
1 ¾cupsold-fashioned oatscertified gluten free if making these GF
2tablespoonsraw hemp seeds
2tablespoonschia seeds
2tablespoonsalmond meal
¼cup.sunflower or pumpkin seeds
¼teaspoonsalt
⅓cuphoney
2tablespoonsraw coconut oil
½teaspoonvanilla extract
1teaspoonpumpkin spice blend
1egg whitewhisked lightly
Instructions
Spray an 8x8 baking dish lightly with non-stick baking spray and then line the pan with parchment paper sprayed with non-stick spray.
Combine the oats through salt in a medium-large mixing bowl. Stir lightly until everything is thoroughly mixed together.
Heat the honey and coconut oil in a small, microwave-proof or glass mixing bowl. Heat on 50-60% heat for 1.5-2 minutes, stopping to stir every 30 seconds or so, or until the honey is bubbly and the coconut oil is melted.
Whisk in the pumpkin spice and vanilla and lightly whisk together until the spices are mixed into the liquids.
Add the honey mixture to the oat mixture and fold together with a rubber spatula until all of the liquid mixture covers the oat mixture evenly. Add in the egg white and toss that into the oat mixture until it's thoroughly incorporated.
Pour the oats into the baking pan and press the oats firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan, making sure to press the oats into the corners.
Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Once the oven is heated, add the baking pan to the oven and bake for 27-29 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown around the outside but not turning dark brown yet.
Remove the bars from the oven and place the baking pan on a wire rack. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Remove the bars from the pan by lifting up the parchment paper (not manipulating the bars themselves) and let them cool until room temperature on the wire rack.
Once cool, slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
1. Store the bars in a covered airtight container in the fridge. They also freeze in an airtight container in the freezer.