Homemade Chocolate-Cranberry Granola Bars

Who doesn’t want a quick, easy, cheap breakfast that’s made ahead of time and travels nicely?

If there is someone who doesn’t, I don’t know ’em.

These granola bars are simple yet delicious. This is a great base recipe with a lot of wiggle room; if you want to add additional fruit, nuts or other ingredients. I like the complimenting flavors of coconut and chocolate, so those are the ingredients I chose.

Ingredients:

• 2 and 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1/3 cup ground flax seed
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 tbsp water
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine oats, flax, cinnamon, cranberries, and walnuts.
3. Add in applesauce, water, oil, maple syrup and chocolate chips.
4. Form into the shape of bars; about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch tall.
5. Place on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Refrigerate.