Tropical Granola Bars with Coconut, Cashews, Pineapple, Mango, and Banana

Tropical Granola Bars with Coconut, Cashews, Pineapple, Mango, and Banana

These granola bars are so sweet and tropical.  I feel like I am on vacation with each bite.

Ingredients:

1 cup old fashioned oats

Coconut oil spray

½ cup cashews

½ cup coconut coated cashews

1/3 cup unsweetened coconut

2 tablespoons flax seeds

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

½ cup diced dried pineapple and mango

¼ cup chopped dried bananas

1 tablespoon dried crystalized ginger

¼ cup light brown sugar

1/8 cup honey

2 tablespoons light or pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons coconut oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 
  2. Spread the oatmeal on the baking sheet and spray with coconut oil spray.
  3. Bake for 18 minutes.
  4. Transfer to a bowl and add the nuts, protein powder, flax seeds, and dried fruit.  Mix well.
  5. Add coconut oil, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil and stir occasionally until the mixture begins to bubble and foam.  Boil for 30 seconds. 
  6. Pour over the oat mixture and stir well to coat.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a 8×8 baking dish and press down in an even layer.
  8. Allow to set and room temperature for 1-3 hours before slicing into bars or squares.
  9. Enjoy!