Cranberry White Chocolate Granola Bars

I’ve been wanting to try some homemade granola bars for awhile now, and decided there’s no time like ‘back to school’ that is more appropriate.  The big challenge for me is that my kid’s daycare/school  is nut free – that means no peanut butter as a binder, and no almonds or anything like that either. 

 

I poured over recipes on Pinterest and asked my Facebook fans for suggestions – then I came across these Granola Bars from It Bakes me Happy and knew that they were just the thing.  I made a few small changes and whipped up a batch in just a few minutes.  It was even easier than I thought it would be!  My kids love these.  Even my picky eater – who won’t touch a dried cranberry to save his screen time – will eat these!

 

For real, they rock. 

 

Preheat the oven to 350-degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coconut and oats on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

 

Meanwhile, line a 9×12 baking pan with parchment paper hanging over the sides, and set aside.

 

In a large bowl, combine the cereal, flaxmeal and cinnamon.  Add in the dried cranberries.  Once the oats and coconut are done baking, add those ingredients to the bowl as well.

 

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the honey and brown sugar.  Add the salt and bring to a boil.  Pour the liquid over the oat mixture and toss to combine.

 

Press the mixture into the pan using the back of a spatula or wooden spoon. Sprinkle the white chocolate chips all over and press into the mixture.  Chill for 30 minutes before cutting.

 

I stored mine in the fridge and quickly found that they honey hardens a bit too much that way, so room temp is the way to go.  Package them up in snack baggies and you have a snack that’s ready to travel!