Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper extending through its sides, this will helps later in lifting up easily.

In a large bowl, combine together cashews, walnuts, pepitas, pecans, dried cranberries, and oats. You can also add any leftover crumbs or powders from the prior chopping of nuts.

In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt and brown sugar. Whisk with a spatula until it is completely dissolved. When the syrup starts to boil and bubble up, remove the pan from the heat and pour it to the prepared nut mix. Using the spatula combine them together to mix properly, it will be slightly sticky.

Transfer this mix to the prepared baking pan. Press down gently on it using the back a spoon or any flat bowl so that it forms an even layer. Make sure there are no gaps in the flattened mix.

Bake by placing in the middle of your oven rack for 20 minutes. Allow it to cool for 30 minutes.

Once the nut mix is cooled, remove it from the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Carefully cut into even bar sizes of your choice using a sharp knife.

Melt chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave at 30 seconds intervals until it is completely melted, you may also follow the double broiler method. Whisk the melted chocolate well until it is smooth, then drizzle it over the nuts. Transfer the bars to a refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.

Your snack bars are ready to serve. You may also store them in an air tight container for up to two weeks.