Granola Bars with a Crunch Dried Twist

I have fallen in love with Sensible Foods Crunch Dried Fruit. I decided to make granola bars and add some Crunch Dried Fruit into the bars. I love the blank canvas of a granola bar as it allows me to customize a recipe with just a few variations. I made two batches...one soft and chewy and one dense and chewy.

Ingredients for the SOFT and CHEWY BARS:

• 1 package Crunch Dried Fruit Tropical Blend
• 2 flax eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (slightly melted)
• 1/2 cup WOW Butter (Creamy)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 TSP coconut flavor
• 2 cups uncooked oatmeal
• 1 cup coconut (sweetened or unsweetened - customize based on your sweet tooth) I used sweetened in this recipe.
• 1 cup flax seeds

Instructions:

• Prepare the flax eggs and gather the ingredients while they "set"
• Line a 9x11 dis with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after they refrigerate
• Once the flax eggs "set" (about 5 minutes), add the wet ingredients to a stand-up mixer and combine well.
• Add dry ingredients EXCEPT the Crunch Dried Fruit and combine
• Add the crunch dried fruit and combine with a large spoon
• Transfer granola bar mix to the prepared dish. Flatten and pack down with the back of a spatula
• Cover and refrigerate until set - about 1 hour

NOTE: The Tropical Blend Crunch Dried Fruit stay crunchy to add additional texture to the bars!

Serve:
The bars are best when straight from refrigerator. They get extra chewy as they warm to room temperature. 

Ingredients for the DENSE and CHEWY BARS:

• 1 package Crunch Dried Fruit Apple Harvest
• 2 flax eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (slightly melted)
• 1cup WOW Butter (Creamy)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 TSP coconut flavor
• 2 cups uncooked oatmeal
• 1 cup coconut (sweetened or unsweetened - customize based on your sweet tooth)
• 1/2 cup coconut flour (oat flour can be used too if you are trying to avoid gluten and nuts)

Instructions:

• Prepare the flax eggs and gather the ingredients while they "set"
• Line a 9x11 dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after they refrigerate
• Once the flax eggs "set" (about 5 minutes), add the wet ingredients to a stand-up mixer and combine well.
• Add dry ingredients EXCEPT the Crunch Dried Fruit and combine
• Add the crunch dried fruit and combine with a large spoon
• Transfer granola bar mix to the prepared dish. Flatten and pack down with the back of a spatula
• Cover and refrigerate until set - about 1 hour

NOTE: The Apple Harvest Crunch Dried Fruit absorbs moisture and becomes chewy in the bars. Be sure to add last to preserve the crunch!

Serve:
The bars are best when straight from refrigerator. They get extra chewy as they warm to room temperature.

VARIATIONS NOTE: 

• This bar can be made with dried fruits, seeds, and nuts. Customize the mix-in and flavor profile each time you make them! For example, the Crunch Dried Fruit Apple Harvest would go well with cinnamon flavor substituted for the coconut. 
• Substitute any Nut Butter, Soy Butter, or Seed Butter could be used. 
• Use eggs rather than flax eggs 

I often purchase products at:

Gluten Free Mall for Gluten Free Foods