Strawberries & Cream Chewy Granola Bars

Soft, chewy granola bars bound with a reduced strawberry mixture, honey, gelatin, and a touch of white-chocolate pudding mix for a strawberries-and-cream flavor. Chill, then cut into bars.

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for lifting. Break very large granola clusters into smaller pieces.

Step 2

Place frozen strawberries in a small saucepan with no added water. Cook over medium-low heat, mashing as they soften, until reduced to roughly 1/3 cup and thick like loose preserves. A spatula dragged through the pan should leave a trail briefly before the fruit slowly fills it.

Step 3

When the strawberries are nearly reduced, sprinkle the gelatin evenly over 1 tablespoon cold water. Leave undisturbed about 5 minutes, until fully hydrated and gel-like.

Step 4

Remove the strawberry reduction from the heat. Stir in the honey. Let the mixture cool just slightly so it remains quite warm but is no longer boiling.

Step 5

Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved. Whisk in the white chocolate pudding mix. The mixture should thicken slightly while remaining workable.

Step 6

Immediately fold the warm strawberry mixture thoroughly through the granola. Break apart dry pockets so the binder reaches between the pieces.

Step 7

Transfer immediately to the prepared pan. Cover the surface with wax paper or parchment and press very firmly and evenly, including the corners and edges. The wax paper may remain against the surface during chilling.

Step 8

Refrigerate flat and undisturbed for at least 2 hours. Lift out, peel away the paper, and cut into 8 bars. Let one bar sit about 10 minutes at room temperature to evaluate the final room-temperature hold.