Trail Mix Granola Bars: Make-Ahead

Instructions:

1. Spread the oats and almonds on a tray and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes until they smell like toasted nuts.
2. Toss the toasted oats, chopped almonds, rice cereal, pepitas, hemp hearts, and sea salt in a large bowl.
3. Combine the almond butter, honey, and coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
4. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbling gently.
5. Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the warm syrup over the dry ingredients and stir until every oat is glistening.
7. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it's no longer steaming.
8. Fold in the cranberries and mini dark chocolate chips quickly.
9. Transfer to a lined 9x9 pan and press down until the surface is completely flat and compact.
10. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the bars feel rock solid to the touch.