Fruit and Nut Breakfast Bars

Fruit and Nut Breakfast Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 cup unsweetened whole-grain puffed cereal
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/3 cup chopped raisins
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch-square pan with cooking spray
• 1. Spread oats, peanuts, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds on a large, rimmed baking sheet
  2. Bake until the oats are lightly toasted and the nuts are fragrant, shaking the pan halfway through, about 10 minutes
  3. Transfer to a large bowl. Add flaxseed, cereal, cranberries, apricots and raisins; toss to combine
  4. Combine peanut butter, sugar, honey, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until the mixture bubbles lightly, 2 to 5 minutes.
  5. Immediately pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon or spatula until no dry spots remain. Transfer to the prepared pan. Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray and press the mixture down firmly to make an even layer (wait until the mixture cools slightly if necessary). Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes; cut into 8 bars.