Store-bought granola bars are often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives. These homemade granola bars are packed with fiber-rich oatmeal and protein-rich seeds, and they are naturally sweetened with honey and almond butter.

Yield: 6 bars

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 2 minutes

Refrigeration time: 3 hours

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsweetened almond butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¼ cup raw, shelled pumpkin seeds
• ¼ cup unsweetened dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots)
• 1 tbsp unsalted, shelled sunflower seeds
• 1/8 tsp salt

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, stir together the almond butter and honey over medium-low heat, just until smooth and warm, about 2 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, and salt. Pour the almond butter and honey into the bowl and stir well to coat all ingredients.
3. Line an 8" x 4" loaf pan with parchment paper that extends at least ½ inch beyond the edge of the pan on all sides.
4. Transfer the granola to the pan and use greased hands to press it very firmly into the pan. Pressing is important to ensure the granola bars hold together once set.
5. Refrigerate for 3 hours. Grasp the edge of the parchment paper and lift the granola out of the pan. Cut into 6 bars. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.