-
Toast the oats in a 350 F oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 min until starting to brown.
-
In the meantime, mix all the other dry ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.
-
When the oats are done, turn down the oven to 325 F. Add the oats to a Cuisinart or blender and pulse a few times to break up the pieces. This makes it easier for the bars to bind together as a nice compact bar.
-
Add oats to the bowl with the rest of the dry ingredients and mix to incorporate.
-
Warm honey and vanilla in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the honey has loosened pour over the dry ingredients. Mix well with a wooden spoon until everything is coated with honey.
-
Coat a 9 x 9 square pan with cooking spray + place a strip of parchment across one side so that the edges hang over the sides. This will serve as handles to help you lift the bars out of the pan.
-
Add the mixture to the pan and press flat with wet hands or the back of a wet flat surface (I used a metal measuring cup). Compressing the mixture evenly so you end up with a compact bar about 1/2" thick.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are beginning to brown.
-
Let cool and harden completely before removing and slicing.