Go Back
To make delicious apple cinnamon granola bars, you need a few simple items. Here is what you will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup unsalted almonds, chopped - 1 cup dried apples, diced - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and crunchy snack. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. Each ingredient in these granola bars has health benefits. Here’s what you need to know: - Rolled oats provide fiber. This helps keep you full longer. - Almonds are rich in healthy fats and protein. They support heart health. - Dried apples add natural sweetness and vitamins. They boost energy levels. - Honey or maple syrup offers sweetness with some nutrients. Use them in moderation. - Almond butter adds creaminess and more protein. It also provides healthy fats. - Cinnamon can help control blood sugar levels. It adds warm flavor, too. - Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma and taste. It can make snacks feel special. - Salt enhances all the flavors in your bars. Just a pinch makes a big difference. - Mini chocolate chips (optional) bring joy! They are a fun treat in each bite. Overall, these ingredients create a balanced snack that satisfies your taste buds and is good for you. If you need to change something, there are easy swaps. Here are some ideas: - Rolled oats: You can use quick oats, but they may change the texture. - Almonds: Try walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies. - Dried apples: Use any dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a different taste. - Honey or maple syrup: Agave nectar or brown rice syrup work well too. - Almond butter: Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter can be great substitutes. - Cinnamon: Try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a twist on flavor. - Vanilla extract: You can skip it, but it adds a lovely taste. - Salt: You can reduce or leave it out if you prefer. - Mini chocolate chips: Omit them for a healthier bar or use dark chocolate. These substitutions keep the bars tasty while meeting your needs. You can still enjoy a wholesome snack! To make these tasty apple cinnamon granola bars, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup unsalted almonds, chopped - 1 cup dried apples, diced - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried apples, and cinnamon. Stir until everything blends well. In a small pot, heat honey or maple syrup and almond butter over low heat. Stir until it melts and combines smoothly. Remove it from the heat and add vanilla and salt. Pour this wet mix over the dry ingredients. Stir until all the dry bits get coated. If you like, fold in mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Now, transfer the mixture into the lined baking pan. Press it down firmly with a spatula. This helps to keep the bars together. Bake your granola bars for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. After baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pan. This step is vital for making sure they hold their shape. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Use the parchment paper to lift the whole mixture out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the cooled mixture into bars or squares. This will give you neat portions for snacking. For easy storage, keep these granola bars in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer freshness. Try this full recipe for a delicious snack that everyone will love! You can make your apple cinnamon granola bars unique. Start with the base recipe, then add your favorite nuts or seeds. Try walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a twist. You can also use different dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. If you want a bit more crunch, add coconut flakes or pumpkin seeds. For a fun treat, mix in mini chocolate chips or yogurt-covered raisins. To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting stale or losing flavor. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars. Wrap each one in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before eating. Serving your granola bars can be fun! You can cut them into squares or bars for easy snacking. For a nice touch, drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top. If you’re hosting a gathering, stack them on a plate with fresh fruit. They make a great addition to breakfast or a midday snack. Pair them with yogurt or a smoothie for a tasty and healthy meal. Enjoy your creation! {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your apple cinnamon granola bars. Try adding different nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also use other dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins. For a fun twist, consider mixing in some coconut flakes or pumpkin seeds. Each option brings its own taste and texture, making the bars unique. If you need gluten-free bars, just choose certified gluten-free oats. For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup. You can use any nut or seed butter to keep it vegan. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty snacks. No-bake granola bars are simple to make. Just mix your oats, nuts, and dried fruits in a bowl. Heat your nut butter and sweetener until smooth. Combine everything and press it into a pan. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours. This method saves time and keeps the bars chewy. You can find the full recipe for a no-bake version as well. To keep your apple cinnamon granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This protects them from air and moisture. Be sure to let them cool completely before sealing. If you stack them, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. This simple step helps keep your bars intact and ready to enjoy. If you want to save some granola bars for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. When you're ready to eat one, simply thaw it at room temperature or heat it in the microwave for a few seconds. When stored properly, your granola bars will last about a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. If you freeze them, they can hold their flavor for up to three months. Watch for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or changes in texture. If they feel hard or crumbly, it's best to toss them. Enjoy your homemade snacks while they are fresh and tasty. You can use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. Both add a nice crunch. If you're nut-free, try seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. They work well and taste great. You can also use a mix of seeds to boost flavor and texture. Yes, you can use fresh apples. Just chop them into small pieces. However, fresh apples have more moisture. You may need to bake your bars a bit longer. Dried apples add sweetness and chewiness, so adjust sugar if using fresh. Look for a golden brown edge. The center should feel firm but not hard. A toothpick can help too; it should come out clean. If it’s sticky, bake a few more minutes. Let them cool completely to set before cutting. You can find them at most grocery stores. Look in the snack or health food aisle. Online, many brands sell apple cinnamon bars. Check sites like Amazon or health-focused stores for more options. In this blog post, I covered how to make great granola bars. We explored the ingredients, their health benefits, and tasty alternatives. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, baking, cooling, and cutting. I also shared tips on customizing your bars and keeping them fresh. We discussed different flavors and dietary options, plus storage best practices. Remember, making granola bars is fun and easy. You can create your perfect snack in no time. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing them with friends!

Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

Make snack time delightful with these homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars! Packed with rolled oats, dried apples, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are perfect for a healthy on-the-go snack. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty, they're sure to satisfy your cravings. Explore the simple recipe now and discover how to create your own batch of delicious granola bars that everyone will love! Click through for full instructions and tips!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup unsalted almonds, chopped

1 cup dried apples, diced

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried apples, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

      In a small saucepan, over low heat, stir together the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter until fully melted and combined. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and salt.

        Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and all the dry ingredients are coated.

          If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.

            Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

                Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift the granola mixture out using the parchment paper and cut into bars or squares.

                  Store the granola bars in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer freshness.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the granola bars individually wrapped in parchment paper for a delightful on-the-go snack or stack them on a plate with a drizzle of honey on top for a beautiful display.