Instructions

1. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides so you can lift the bars out later.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil, stirring until smooth and pourable, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
3. In a large bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and mini chocolate chips if using.
4. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture. Stir until all the oats are evenly coated and the mixture looks sticky and clumps slightly. Let it rest 5 minutes to hydrate.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a piece of parchment or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture very firmly into an even layer, paying special attention to the corners and edges.
6. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours, or in the freezer for 30 to 40 minutes until set and sliceable.
7. Lift the slab out by the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board. Use a long knife to cut into 12 bars, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
8. Wrap bars individually and store chilled. For grab-and-go from frozen, let a bar sit at room temperature 10 to 15 minutes before eating.