Trail Mix Energy Bars

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups rolled oats (gluten-free)
• 1/3 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup pepitas
• 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup allulose or sugar-free maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt

Method

1. 1

   Toast the oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant — this quick toast is what gives the bars a deeper, nuttier flavor; oats straight from the container without toasting taste comparatively flat and raw.

2. 2

   Toast the almonds and pepitas in the same skillet for 2 minutes, then combine with the toasted oats and cranberries in a large bowl.

3. 3

   Warm the almond butter and allulose together in a small saucepan until smooth and pourable.

4. 4

   Stir in cinnamon and salt, then pour over the oat mixture, mixing until evenly coated.

5. 5

   Press firmly into a parchment-lined 8x8 pan, chill at least 1 hour, then slice into bars.