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Snack smart with these gluten-free, plant-based Cranberry Pistachio Granola Bar Squares!

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats (use certified gluten free if needed)
• 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped (30g or about 47 nuts)
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1 cup whole grain puffed rice cereal (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter or almond butter (no added sugar)
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8×8 or 9×9 square brownie pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. On a baking sheet (preferably with a rim) combine oats, pumpkin seeds and flaxseed.
3. Bake for about 3 minutes, then add pistachios and continue baking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch closely, the nuts will burn if overcooked!
4. Remove oat mixture from the oven and place in a large bowl.
5. Add cranberries and puffed rice cereal, toss, and set aside.
6. In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt.
7. Cook over medium low heat while stirring gently until bubbly, about 3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and pour peanut butter mixture over oat mixture.
9. Stir well with a large spoon or spatula until thoroughly combined.
10. Transfer to the square pan and press with a spatula until mixture is flat and even.
11. If desired, melt white or dark chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle over the top.
12. Refrigerate until cool and firm, approx 45 minutes to an hour.
13. Cut into 16 squares and store covered in the refrigerator.

Source: Yummly Rich Recipes