- Maple Pecan Granola Bars

$Here’s what you need to make tasty Maple Pecan Granola Bars. Gather these items: - 1 ½ cups rolled oats - ½ cup pecans, chopped - ½ cup almond butter - ½ cup maple syrup - ¼ cup honey (or agave syrup) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins - ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The rolled oats give a hearty base. Chopped pecans add crunch and flavor. Almond butter binds everything, while maple syrup and honey sweeten the mix. Vanilla extract enhances flavor, and salt balances the sweetness. Dried cranberries or raisins offer chewy goodness. You can toss in chocolate chips for a fun twist. These ingredients make it easy to create a delicious snack. Check out the Full Recipe to see how to bring it all together! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. 2. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of rolled oats and ½ cup of chopped pecans. Stir the mix well to spread the nuts evenly. 3. In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of almond butter, ½ cup of maple syrup, ¼ cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of salt over low heat. Stir until smooth and well mixed. 4. Pour this smooth mixture over the oats and pecans. Mix everything together until the oats and nuts are well-coated. 1. Add ½ cup of dried cranberries and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips, if you want. Gently mix them in. 2. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to make a flat layer. 3. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a golden brown. 4. Take the pan out of the oven. Let it cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift it out. 5. Once cooled, cut the bars into your desired size. - For a beautiful display, arrange the granola bars on a rustic wooden board or a white plate. - Drizzle some extra maple syrup on top for an enticing look. - You can add a few whole pecans and dried cranberries on top for a nice pop of color. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Overmixing the ingredients: Mix just until combined. Too much mixing can make the bars tough. - Not pressing down firmly enough: Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together. - How to ensure even baking: Spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Make sure there are no gaps or air pockets. - Checking for doneness: Look for a golden edge. The center should be slightly soft but not wet. - Suggested spices to add: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices bring warmth and depth. - Pairing with different toppings: Top your bars with yogurt or fresh fruit. This adds freshness and balance to the sweet flavor. For the full recipe, see the section above. {{image_2}} To make these granola bars fit your diet, try some easy swaps. For a vegan version, swap honey for agave syrup. This keeps the sweetness while making it plant-based. If you need a gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free oats. These oats will keep your bars safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Want to mix it up? You can add chocolate chips or nut butter to the mix. Both give a tasty twist. If you prefer different nuts, feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. You can also change up dried fruits. Try using apricots or cherries instead of cranberries. This keeps the bars exciting every time you make them. Seasonal flavors can make your bars special. In fall, add pumpkin spice to the mix. This will bring warmth and flavor to your granola bars. In summer, consider adding fresh berries for a bright and fruity taste. These twists keep your snacks fresh and fun all year round. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Store your maple pecan granola bars at room temperature for up to a week. They taste best when fresh. Use an airtight container to keep them crunchy. If you live in a warm area, consider refrigeration. This helps them stay firm and fresh. These granola bars last about one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or a change in texture. If they feel sticky or soft, it’s time to toss them. To freeze your granola bars, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for about three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture. Enjoy them as a quick snack any time! To make your granola bars less crumbly, ensure you press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps bind the ingredients together. Using enough almond butter and maple syrup also adds moisture. If they still crumble, try adding a bit more almond butter or honey. Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with other nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work well too. Just chop them into small pieces. Each nut will give a different flavor and texture, so feel free to explore your favorites! These granola bars are quite healthy. They use rolled oats, which provide fiber. The nuts add healthy fats and protein. Maple syrup and honey offer natural sweetness. Just watch your portion size, as they are calorie-dense. Absolutely! You can make these granola bars ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container. Just make sure to let them cool completely before cutting and storing. They’ll last for up to a week at room temperature. To cut the bars neatly, use a sharp knife. A warm knife helps too. First, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Then, cut them into even squares or rectangles. This way, you get nice, clean edges. For the full recipe, check the instructions above! You now have all the key steps to make tasty granola bars. From gathering your ingredients to baking and storing, each part is vital. Remember to avoid common mistakes like overmixing and not pressing down firm enough. Explore variations by swapping nuts and adding spices for more flavor. With these tips, your granola bars will surely be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing them with family and friends. Happy baking!$

Delight in the goodness of Maple Pecan Granola Bars with this easy recipe! Perfect for a quick snack or a healthy treat, these bars combine rolled oats, crunchy pecans, almond butter, and sweet maple syrup for a deliciously nutritious option. Ready in just 35 minutes, they are customizable with dried fruits and optional chocolate chips. Click through to discover how to make these tasty granola bars and elevate your snack game today!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups rolled oats

½ cup pecans, chopped

½ cup almond butter

½ cup maple syrup

¼ cup honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift the bars out later.

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped pecans. Mix well to distribute the nuts evenly through the oats.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat.

Pour the almond butter mixture over the oat and pecan mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is combined and the oats and nuts are well-coated with the mixture.

Add in the dried cranberries (and chocolate chips if using) and gently mix to incorporate them.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before lifting it out with the parchment paper.

Once cooled, cut into bars of your desired size.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 12 Bars

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the granola bars on a rustic wooden board or a white plate, and drizzle with additional maple syrup for an enticing look. Optionally, garnish with a few whole pecans and dried cranberries on top for a pop of color!