Chewy Oat and Fruit Granola Bars

Roasting oatmeal, coconut, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed gives these granola bars a rich, nutty flavor. These homemade treats, which are a much healthier and gluten-free alternative to store-bought bars, will make a great addition to any lunch box. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Wrap each bar in parchment paper and tie with twine for a pleasant taste.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Line a 13-inch x 9-inch metal baking dish with foil so that the foil protrudes over the edges of the pan; brush the foil with cooking spray.Place the oat flakes, coconut flakes, sunflower seed kernels, and flaxseeds on a baking sheet, spreading evenly in a single layer. Bake at 350 ° C for 10-12 minutes or until browned, stirring every 5 minutes. Remove the oatmeal mixture from the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees. Combine the oatmeal mixture, cranberries, apricots, and dates in a large bowl.Combine honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally. Bring the honey mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a whisk. Immediately pour the oatmeal-fruit mixture over the honey mixture; stir gently with a rubber spatula to coat.Squeeze the oatmeal mixture firmly into the prepared pan, using a rubber spatula or hands smeared with cooking spray to form an even layer. Bake at 300 ° C for 30 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Remove the bars from the mold, using the edges of the foil as handles. Place on a cutting board; cut into 18 bars. Remove the bars from the foil.