Trail Mix Energy Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
• 1/4 cup mixed seeds (such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and mixed seeds. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

3. In a small saucepan, heat the honey or maple syrup and peanut butter (or almond butter) over low heat, stirring continuously until melted and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Pour the warm honey-peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until all the dry ingredients are coated with the honey-peanut butter mixture. If desired, add a pinch of salt for flavor.

5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

7. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.

8. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your desired size.

9. Store the trail mix energy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

10. Enjoy these homemade trail mix energy bars as a nutritious and delicious snack on-the-go, during hikes, or as a quick pick-me-up during busy days!

Feel free to customize these bars by adding other ingredients like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or protein powder to suit your taste preferences.