Crunchy nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and white chocolate create a festive cooling snack for winter.
# Components:
→ Nuts & Seeds
01 - 1 cup unsalted roasted almonds
02 - 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
03 - 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
→ Dried Fruits
04 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
05 - 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
06 - 1/4 cup dried blueberries
→ Grains & Crunch
07 - 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
08 - 1 cup crisp rice cereal
→ Bind & Sweeten
09 - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
10 - 1/3 cup creamy almond butter
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
14 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Topping
15 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
16 - 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, chopped apricots, dried blueberries, rolled oats, and rice cereal. Set aside.
03 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey or maple syrup, almond butter, unsalted butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until smooth and melted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
04 - Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until evenly coated.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
06 - Sprinkle white chocolate chips and optional festive sprinkles over the surface. Gently press into the mixture.
07 - Refrigerate for at least one hour until firm.
08 - Lift bars out using parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
