Granola Bars

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish and place chocolate chips in the freezer.
2. Spread oats and coconut evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in preheated oven until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, mix honey, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Cook and stir until smooth.
4. Pour honey mixture over toasted oats and coconut. Stir to coat completely.
5. Spread half the mixture in the greased pan. Add most of the chocolate chips, then layer remaining granola mixture and remaining chocolate chips.
6. Press firmly into pan (this is crucial for keeping bars together after baking).
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes (less for softer bars, more for crunchier ones).
8. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

• Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is essential for bars that hold together.
• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Adjust baking time based on preferred texture - shorter for chewy, longer for crunchy.