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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup - 1/2 cup honey (or agave syrup as a vegan option) - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins) - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon I love using simple ingredients to make my granola bars. Each item plays an important role. The rolled oats are the base. They add fiber and keep you full. Pecans give a nice crunch and healthy fats. Almond butter binds everything together. It also adds a nutty flavor that I adore. Maple syrup brings natural sweetness. Honey can replace it for a different taste. The salt enhances all the flavors. Vanilla extract adds a warm aroma. Dried cranberries (or raisins) offer a sweet, chewy bite. Lastly, cinnamon adds a warm spice that rounds out the taste. - Calories per serving: About 180 calories - Macronutrient breakdown: - Carbohydrates: 25g - Protein: 5g - Fat: 7g These bars are a great snack. They are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. You get energy from the carbs and protein from the nuts and almond butter. The healthy fats keep you satisfied. Each bite is not just tasty but also nutritious. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Next, prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir well to blend everything. In a small saucepan over low heat, add 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup honey (or agave syrup), and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until it's smooth. Avoid boiling the mixture. Once your almond butter mixture is warm, pour it over the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is coated well. Gently fold in 1/2 cup dried cranberries. Transfer this mix to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down firmly into an even layer. Place the dish in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown. After baking, let it cool completely in the pan. Lift it out using the parchment paper and cut it into squares. Store your delicious granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Getting the right texture and flavor in your maple pecan granola bars is key. First, measure your ingredients accurately. This will ensure a balanced mix. Too many oats can make the bars dry. Too few can make them too sticky. Use a kitchen scale if you have one. This helps with precise measurements. Next, let’s talk about sweetness. Maple syrup adds a great taste, but balance is important. Too much syrup can make the bars overly sweet. You want just enough to enhance the flavor without overpowering it. Aim for a nice blend that keeps the bars tasty and healthy. When it comes to serving, presentation matters. You can drizzle the bars with extra maple syrup for a sweet touch. This adds both flavor and visual appeal. You might also sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for crunch. Cutting the bars into uniform pieces helps with serving. Use a sharp knife and cut straight down. This makes the bars easy to grab for snacks or lunch boxes. You can also wrap them individually for a fun and easy grab-and-go option. One mistake to avoid is overbaking your granola bars. If you bake them too long, they become hard and dry. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and look for a golden brown edge. Another common error is not pressing the mixture down firmly enough. If it’s too loose, the bars won’t hold together. Use a spatula or your hands to press down hard. This helps the bars stick together during baking. Following these tips can make your maple pecan granola bars a hit! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} To make these granola bars gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may contain gluten from cross-contamination. By using gluten-free oats, you can enjoy these tasty bars without worry. For a vegan twist, substitute almond butter with any nut or seed butter you like. Sunflower seed butter works well and adds a unique flavor. Swap honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for sweetness. This keeps the bars plant-based and still delicious. You can customize these granola bars with different fruits. Try adding dried apricots or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in nutmeg or ginger. These additions make each bite exciting and unique. For the full recipe, check out the Maple Pecan Granola Bars. To keep your maple pecan granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. I like to use a glass jar or a plastic bin with a secure lid. Make sure the bars are cool before sealing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. They stay fresh for up to one week. Want to save some for later? Freezing granola bars is a great option! Cut the bars into squares first. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will protect them from freezer burn. For the best taste, eat them within three months. To enjoy frozen bars, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also leave them out at room temperature for about an hour. This way, they’ll taste fresh and delicious, just like when you made them. These granola bars last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. Yes, you can use peanut butter instead of almond butter. Peanut butter adds a rich, nutty taste. However, it has a stronger flavor than almond butter. This may change the overall taste of the bars. The texture will also be creamier with peanut butter. Yes, these granola bars are healthy and nutritious. They are packed with whole grains from oats. Pecans provide healthy fats and protein. Almond butter adds more protein and fiber. Honey and maple syrup offer natural sweetness. Plus, dried cranberries boost your vitamin intake. Each bar is a balanced snack that keeps you full and satisfied. You can find the full recipe to make these bars at home. This blog post covered the essential ingredients for making delicious maple pecan granola bars. I shared step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to help you avoid common mistakes. You can customize these bars to fit gluten-free or vegan diets. Plus, I explained how to store and freeze them for later use. In conclusion, these granola bars are healthy, tasty, and easy to make. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare.

Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Looking for a tasty and nutritious snack? Try making Maple Pecan Granola Bars! These easy-to-make bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pecans, and real maple syrup, perfect for any time of day. They're not only delicious but also provide the energy you need to keep going.Click through to explore this healthy treat now!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup almond butter

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup honey (or substitute with agave syrup for a vegan option)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins, depending on preference)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they are done.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, salt, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the dry ingredients are well blended.

      In a small saucepan set over low heat, add the almond butter, maple syrup, honey (or agave syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and combined—be cautious to avoid boiling.

        Once your almond butter mixture is warmed, pour it over the oat and pecan blend. Mix everything together until the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated with the wet ingredients.

          Gently fold in the dried cranberries, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the mixture.

            Transfer the granola mixture into the lined baking dish. Using a spatula, press the mixture down firmly to create an even layer, ensuring it holds together during baking.

              Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

                Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After cooling, carefully lift the granola mixture out using the overhanging parchment paper, and cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

                  To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: For a delightful touch, serve the granola bars drizzled with a bit of extra maple syrup or sprinkle with a few additional pecans for a decorative finish.