No Bake Cranberry Coconut Clif Bars

As you know from my Peanut Butter Chocolate Clif Bars post I LOVE Clif Bars! This variety is just as easy and delicious with a cranberry and coconut twist. Last night my husband and I had to promise each other we would try our hardest not to finish off the pan in one night. So far we're both staying strong! Resist the vending machine temptation by grabbing one or two of these on your way to work to school. I promise you, your wallet and taste buds will thank you. 

Yield: 16 Bars

No Bake Cranberry Coconut Clif Bars
Olive oil
1 1/4 cups unsweetened dates, pitted and minced
1/3 cup peanuts or almonds, roughly chopped
1 cup quick oats
1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
3 tablespoons ground flax 
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1  cup crisp rice cereal
2/3 cup all natural peanut butter (no oil or sugar added)
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown rice syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lightly coat an 8 x 8 inch or 9 x 13 inch baking dish with olive oil and set aside. Pulse pitted dates in a blender or food processor until finely chopped and then add to a large bowl. Add in the nuts, oats, coconut, flax, cinnamon and cranberries. Using a pastry cutter work the mixture together until it resembles course crumbs then stir in rice cereal.

In a small pan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter and rice syrup stirring until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and pour over cereal mix. *Hint* I find it easiest to coat my hands with a little olive oil and combine the mixture together with my hands.

Firmly press down mix in prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm then cut into individual bars and store in an airtight container in the fridge.