Easy Soft & Chewy Homemade Granola Bars

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the ends extend over edges of the pan.

Mix the oats and chopped nuts in a bowl. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine the honey and peanut butter. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and heated through.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt until well incorporated.

Pour this mixture over the oats and nuts. Add the raisins, cranberries, and optional chocolate chips. Stir well, ensuring all components are evenly covered with the honey-peanut butter mixture.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press down to make sure the mixture is even and compact.

Chill in the refrigerator for an hour or until firm.

Lift the chilled granola mixture out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper edges as handles. Cut into bars or squares.

Store the granola bars in an aired tight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy whenever needed!