Homemade Granola Bars

My sister made these granola bars, but they did not "firm up." But, even as granola they were worth giving it a try. I made a few modifications to the recipe and mine turned out great.

{Homemade Granola Bars}

Original recipe here

1 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup honey
3/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 7 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.
Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
Place the honey, vanilla, and salt in a microwaveable bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, stir and heat for another 30 seconds if needed. Pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the apricots, raisins, and cranberries and stir well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Press the mixture evenly into the pan, with the back of a greased spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into 10 bars. Serve at room temperature.