Chewy Blueberry Sunflower Seed Granola Bars Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8″ x 8″ pan with parchment paper, allowing it to go up the opposing sides (see first photo in blog post for reference). Coat the parchment paper with non-stick spray or lightly grease with butter or oil.
• In a large bowl, stir together the oats, brown sugar, oat flour, salt, sunflower seeds, coconut, and blueberries.
• In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the sunflower seed butter and butter at 50% power until melted, about 30-40 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir in the maple syrup, light corn syrup, water, and vanilla extract.
• Pour wet ingredients over dry and toss until well-incorporated and evenly crumbly.
• Pour into baking dish and press very firmly and evenly with clean hands so that the bars mold to the shape of the pan.
• Bake for 30 - 40 minutes until set and golden-brown on top.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Place in refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to help make sure the bars set. Remove from refrigerator and, using the parchment paper "handles," lift bars from baking dish and place onto a cutting board. Peel sides of parchment paper down and, using a sharp serrated knife, cut into 16 squares.
• Bars keep for 3 - 4 days at room temperature stacked in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325*F. Lightly grease a 8" square baking pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, pistachios, raisins, and coconut in a large bowl. Set aside.
• In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, peanut butter, butter, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is desolved and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the apple juice, vanilla, and baking soda, and remove from heat.
• Pour into the oats mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Place a piece of plastic wrap on top and top with another pan or a book that will fit inside the baking pan to weigh it down. Use your hands to press down on the weight firmly and evenly so that the mixture spreads evenly in the pan. Remove the weight and the plastic wrap and bake for 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until firm. Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly coat a 13x9" pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on both long sides; spray parchment.
• Pulse 3/4 cup fruit and 1/2 cup hot water in a food processor until smooth and incorporated, 3-4 minutes. Add honey, almond butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla and pulse until combined, about 15 seconds. Add 1/2 cup oats and pulse until well combined, 30-45 seconds. Add pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, and remaining 1 cup oats and 1/2 cup fruit. Pulse until just combined, about 15 seconds.
• Transfer mixture to prepared pan, pressing down until completely even. Bake granola until darkened, firm around the edges, and the center gives just slightly when pressed, about 35 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool in pan. Remove granola using parchment overhang, then cut into 20 bars with a serrated knife.
• Do Ahead
• Granola can be made 5 days ahead. Keep tightly wrapped at room temperature.