Homemade Granola Bars: Chewy and Crisp Baked

Instructions:

1. Spread 2 ½ cups rolled oats, ½ cup sliced almonds, and ¼ cup sunflower seeds on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until they smell nutty and look slightly golden.
2. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup honey, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup almond butter, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
3. Bring the honey mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble for 1 minute until the sugar has completely dissolved.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp sea salt, and ½ tsp cinnamon.
5. Pour the toasted oat mixture into a large bowl. Drizzle the hot liquid binder over the top and stir until every oat is glistening and coated.
6. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before adding the mix ins.
7. Stir in ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips and ½ cup dried cranberries until evenly distributed through the sticky oats.
8. Transfer the mixture to your prepared 8x8-inch pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press down with significant force until the top is flat and tightly packed.
9. Return the pan to the oven for 10 minutes.
10. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the center is cold and firm.