Homemade Cranberry Nut Granola Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.

2. In a large bowl toss oats with melted butter, canola oil and salt. On 2 rimmed baking sheets, spread out the oats evenly. Toast for 15-20 minutes, making sure to stir/shake the pan twice so the oats don’t burn. Then remove the pans from the oven and set aside.

3. Reduce oven temperature to 325ºF.

4. In a large bowl, mix the toasted oats, Rice Krispies, wheat germ, nuts, cranberries and cinnamon. Set aside.

5. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, applesauce and molasses. Heat slowly, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

6. Pour sugar mixture into dry ingredients and stir really well. It’ll be sticky!

7. Press into a greased (I used butter) 9×12 baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

8. Let cool completely (may take a few hours). Cut with a sharp knife. Store in tight container or individually wrapped in plastic.

Adapted from The Pioneer Woman.