# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crisp rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans
04 - 1/2 cup dried fruit, such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots
05 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
08 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Add-Ins
10 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
11 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed meal
# Directions:
01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess overhang on the sides for effortless lifting.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine oats, rice cereal, mixed nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut if using, and salt.
03 - In a small saucepan over low heat, gently stir honey or maple syrup with peanut butter until melted and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm liquid blend over the dry mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are fully coated.
05 - Allow the mixture to cool for 2 to 3 minutes if adding chocolate chips, then gently fold them in to prevent melting.
06 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to compact.
07 - Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top and press lightly to adhere.
08 - Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the mixture is fully set.
09 - Using the parchment overhang, lift the set bars from the pan and cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
