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The main ingredients in these bars make them tasty and filling. Here’s what you need: - 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 for a vegan option) - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins) - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon These ingredients come together to form a chewy and crunchy snack. You can customize these bars easily. Here are some fun ideas: - Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer. - Use peanut butter instead of almond butter to change the flavor. - Add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for extra crunch. - Mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. - If you want a nut-free version, use seeds instead of nuts. These swaps keep it fresh and fun! Each ingredient serves a purpose. Here’s what they offer: - Rolled oats provide fiber and energy. - Pecans are rich in healthy fats and protein. - Almond butter adds creaminess and nutrients. - Maple syrup gives natural sweetness and antioxidants. - Honey offers hydration and boosts energy. - Dried cranberries add vitamins and a fruity taste. Together, these ingredients create a snack that is both nutritious and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out Maple Pecan Granola Bars. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting the right texture. Next, grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift your bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats and 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1/2 cup of honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option). Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat this mixture on low. Stir until it is smooth and mixed well. Don’t let it boil. Once the mixture is ready, pour it over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated. Lastly, fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins. Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down firmly in an even layer. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown. After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Cut them into squares or rectangles. You can store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For the complete recipe, check out the section above. To get the best texture in your granola bars, use rolled oats. They hold together well. When mixing, make sure to coat every oat and pecan with the almond butter mix. Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps create a solid bar that won't crumble. A common mistake is not measuring the ingredients correctly. Too much liquid can make the bars soggy. Also, don’t skip the baking step. Baking helps bind the bars together. Lastly, avoid overbaking. Check for a light brown edge to get the right texture. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For storage, keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. They last up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, try freezing them. Just wrap each bar tightly before freezing. Enjoy your tasty and healthy snack! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your granola bars easily. Want chocolate? Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. This makes the bars rich and sweet. If you want nut-free bars, swap pecans for seeds. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds work well. You can also add coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Maple syrup is a great sweetener, but you have options. Honey gives a nice flavor, too. If you want a vegan choice, use agave syrup. You can also try brown rice syrup for a different taste. Each option gives your bars a unique flavor that you can enjoy. Use seasonal ingredients to keep your bars fresh. In the fall, add pumpkin puree and spice for a cozy taste. In spring, mix in dried apricots or fresh berries. Summer is perfect for coconut or chopped peaches. Each season offers fun ways to twist the recipe. Explore different flavors to find your favorite. For the full recipe, check out the Maple Pecan Granola Bars section. To keep your maple pecan granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and prevents them from getting stale. You can use a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight lid. If you want to pack them for a trip, use parchment paper to separate the bars. This way, they won’t stick together. These granola bars stay good at room temperature for about one week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Check your bars for any signs of spoilage. If they smell off or have a change in texture, it’s best to throw them out. Look for any mold or discoloration. If they seem dry but smell fine, they are still safe to eat. Trust your senses; if something seems wrong, don’t risk it. Enjoy your treats while they are fresh! Yes, you can make these bars vegan. Just swap honey for agave syrup. Agave syrup works well with almond butter and maple syrup. This change keeps the bars sweet and tasty without any animal products. You can find pre-packaged maple pecan granola bars at most grocery stores. Look in the snack aisle or health food section. Brands like Nature Valley and KIND often have options. You can also buy them online from stores like Amazon or health-focused websites. To make these bars gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free rolled oats. Most oats are processed in facilities that handle gluten. This can lead to cross-contamination. Always check labels to ensure they meet gluten-free standards. Honey is thick and sweet, while agave syrup is smoother and less sweet. Honey offers a rich flavor, while agave has a milder taste. Both sweeteners work well in this recipe, but agave is vegan. Use what you prefer for the best results. For a full recipe on making these delicious bars, check out the complete guide above! In this blog post, we covered how to make maple pecan granola bars. We looked at the main ingredients, optional additions, and the nutritional benefits. You learned step-by-step instructions to mix and bake the bars. I shared tips on texture and common mistakes. You now have ideas for flavor variations and ways to store them. Try making these bars at home. They are tasty and easy to customize. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Satisfy your snack cravings with these easy Maple Pecan Granola Bars, a nutritious treat perfect for busy days! This simple recipe features rolled oats, pecans, and sweet maple syrup, making for a deliciously chewy snack. With easy customization options, you can flavor them to your liking. Explore the full recipe and tips for perfecting your bars today, and enjoy a tasty way to fuel your body with wholesome goodness! Click to discover more!
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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 agave syrup for a vegan option)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.

      In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, honey (or agave syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined, being careful not to bring it to a boil.

        Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the oat and pecan mixture. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.

          Fold in the dried cranberries until evenly distributed.

            Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to firmly press the mixture down into an even layer.

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

                Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares or rectangles.

                  Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

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