Trail Mix Bars Oats Honey (Printer-Friendly)

Wholesome bars with oats, honey, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for easy snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
03 - 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
04 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
05 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/3 cup honey
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
08 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips if using. Mix thoroughly.
03 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with honey and brown sugar, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
04 - Pour the warm wet mixture over dry ingredients. Stir until all components are evenly coated and no dry spots remain.
05 - Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula or hands to compact into a uniform layer.
06 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until edges are golden brown. Center should be set but still slightly tacky.
07 - Allow bars to cool completely in pan. Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They actually taste homemade, not like cardboard dressed up in health food clothing.
  • You can customize them completely—swap out whatever you don't have or don't love.
  • Fifteen minutes of prep means you're not spending your whole weekend in the kitchen.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cooling step or your bars will crumble apart—they need that time to set up properly and hold their shape.
  • The bars will feel slightly soft when they first come out but will firm considerably as they cool to room temperature.
03 -
  • Pack the mixture into the pan more firmly than feels necessary—loose bars fall apart, firm ones hold together beautifully.
  • Use parchment paper with the overhang every time; it's the difference between lifting bars out intact and chipping at them with a spatula.
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