Are you craving a snack that is both crunchy and nutritious? Look no further! My Maple Pecan Granola Bars give you the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients. Made with rolled oats, pecans, and sweetened with pure maple syrup, these bars are simple to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re on-the-go or just need a bite, these granola bars will not disappoint. Let’s dive in and get started on this delicious treat!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Maple Pecan Granola Bars
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
– 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
The base of these bars is rolled oats. They give a great chewy texture. Pecan nuts add a nice crunch and flavor. Almond butter, or your favorite nut butter, binds everything together.
Sweeteners and Flavoring
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple syrup sweetens the bars, making them tasty. Honey adds more sweetness and helps with texture. Vanilla extract gives a warm, inviting flavor to each bite.
Additional Ingredients
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
– Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Shredded coconut adds a tropical touch and extra chewiness. Sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor. You can add dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a fun twist.
For the full recipe, check the details above!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
To start, you need to get the oven hot. Set it to 350°F. While it heats up, grab your 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– Combine rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and sea salt.
In a big bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and sea salt. Stir it well so every bite has a bit of each ingredient.
Combining Wet Ingredients
– Whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, honey, and vanilla extract.
– Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
In another bowl, whisk the almond butter, maple syrup, honey, and vanilla extract. Make sure it’s smooth. Next, pour this wet mix over the dry ingredients. Stir it all together until everything is well combined.
Baking the Granola Bars
– Spoon mixture into the prepared baking dish, press down firmly.
– Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
– Cool, slice, and store properly after baking.
Now, take the mixture and spoon it into your baking dish. Press down firmly with your hands or a spatula. This helps the bars stay together when baked. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want it to be golden brown. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, lift it out using the parchment paper. Wait until it cools completely before slicing into bars. Store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Enjoy the crunch and sweetness of these Maple Pecan Granola Bars! For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and steps above.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring the Best Texture
To get the perfect texture, press down firmly when you spread the mixture in the pan. This keeps the bars compact. If you skip this step, the bars may crumble. After baking, let them cool completely before slicing. This helps you get clean edges and nice shapes.
Customizing Flavors
You can easily change the flavors based on what you like. Try using different nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds. For extra fun, think about adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries. This way, you can create a unique snack each time.
Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving, wrapping each bar in parchment paper looks great. Secure it with twine for a rustic touch. Display the bars on a wooden board for a lovely snack spread. This simple step makes your homemade treats look even more inviting.
Variations
Nut-Free Version
If you want a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter. This swap keeps the bars creamy and tasty. Sunflower seed butter is rich in protein and healthy fats, just like nut butter. It adds a unique flavor, too. You can easily find it at most grocery stores. Just replace almond butter with an equal amount of sunflower seed butter in the recipe.
Vegan/GF Options
For a vegan or gluten-free version, use agave syrup instead of honey. Agave syrup works well because it is sweet and thick. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. These oats are safe for people who avoid gluten. They taste great and keep the texture perfect.
Flavor Infusions
Adding spices can change the flavor of your granola bars. Try some cinnamon for warmth, or nutmeg for a hint of spice. Just add a pinch to the dry ingredients. These spices will make your bars taste even better. You can also mix in vanilla powder for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store
To keep your maple pecan granola bars fresh, use airtight containers. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. I recommend storing them at room temperature. They can stay good for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider these best practices:
– Make sure the bars are completely cool before storing.
– Layer parchment paper between bars to avoid sticking.
– Label containers with dates to track freshness.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing granola bars is a great way to extend their shelf life. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars in the fridge overnight. For a quick snack, you can also take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy the crunch and flavor of your homemade granola bars any time!
FAQs
How long do homemade granola bars last?
Homemade granola bars last about one week when stored in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place. You can also put them in the fridge to extend their freshness. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
Can I make these granola bars in advance?
Yes, you can make these granola bars in advance. I often prepare a batch on the weekend. This allows me to grab a snack on busy days. Just make sure to store them properly to keep them fresh. They taste best within the first week after baking.
Is it possible to replace the oats with other grains?
You can replace oats with other grains like quinoa or puffed rice. For gluten-free diets, use certified gluten-free oats or brown rice flakes. Each grain will change the texture a bit, so experiment to find what you like best. This flexibility makes the recipe perfect for different dietary needs.
In this post, we explored how to make delicious maple pecan granola bars. We covered the main ingredients, sweeteners, and fun mix-ins. You learned clear steps for baking, along with tips for the best texture. We shared ways to customize flavors and store your bars.
Remember, these bars are not only tasty, but they offer healthy snacks too. Try different nuts or spices to make them your own. Enjoy your homemade granola bars fresh or stored for later!
