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To make delicious Maple Pecan Granola Bars, you need these key ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice) - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/2 cup honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option) - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chocolate chips If you have dietary needs, you can swap some ingredients. For nut butter, try sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies. You can also use peanut butter or cashew butter. For sweeteners, use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. You can also use brown rice syrup or date syrup if you prefer. Maple syrup is more than just sweet. It has antioxidants that help fight inflammation. It also contains minerals like manganese and zinc, which are good for your health. Pecans are full of healthy fats and protein. They help keep you full and satisfied. Pecans also have fiber, which is great for digestion. Together, these ingredients make a tasty and nutritious snack. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting those delicious, crunchy edges. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This makes it super easy to lift out your bars once they are baked. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Mix these dry ingredients together until they are evenly combined. This ensures that each bite of your granola bar is packed with flavor. In another bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/2 cup honey - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Make sure the mixture is smooth. This mix will help bind all your dry ingredients together, creating a tasty, chewy texture in every bar. Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well coated. If you want, add in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. This helps the bars hold their shape. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges as your sign that they are ready. Once done, take them out and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and move them to a cutting board. Allow the granola bars to cool completely before slicing into pieces. You can store these tasty snacks in an airtight container for up to a week. For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. To get the right texture in your maple pecan granola bars, focus on the baking time. Bake them until the edges turn golden brown. For chewy bars, press the mixture less firmly in the pan. If you want them crunchy, pack the mixture tightly. Cooling is also key. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set well and keeps them from crumbling. After cooling, it’s time to cut your bars. Use a sharp knife to slice them evenly. Start by cutting down the center, then cut each half into smaller bars. To avoid sticking, run the knife under warm water before each cut. This method keeps your bars looking neat and tidy. Want to mix things up? Try adding spices! A teaspoon of cinnamon can add warmth and depth. You can also consider mixing in some dried fruits or seeds. Dried cranberries add tartness, while chocolate chips bring sweetness. Just be sure to keep the total mix-ins to about a cup so the bars hold together well. For a special twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can swap pecans for other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work great. Each nut brings its unique flavor. If you like a mix, try combining different nuts. This adds texture and taste to your bars. Just make sure to chop them well for even mixing. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. You can also try coconut extract for a tropical twist. If you love chocolate, mix in dark chocolate chips. Dried fruits like apricots or raisins can also enhance the flavor. Each addition personalizes your granola bars. For a vegan version, you can replace honey with agave syrup. This keeps the sweetness without animal products. Use certified gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free option. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bars. You can also use nut butters that are free from gluten. Check labels for any hidden gluten sources. To keep your Maple Pecan Granola Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry area. This method helps maintain their flavor and texture. At room temperature, these bars last about a week. If you refrigerate them, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. The cool air helps preserve their crunchiness while keeping them tasty. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. First, cut the bars into pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, take out a bar and let it thaw at room temperature. This way, you always have a healthy snack ready to go! For the full recipe, check the instructions above. Homemade granola bars stay fresh for about a week. Store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. They freeze well for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before eating. Yes, you can replace maple syrup. Honey works great as a substitute. You can also use agave syrup for a vegan option. Just keep in mind that each syrup has a different sweetness level. Adjust the amount to your taste. Yes, these granola bars are healthy! They are full of whole grains and nuts. Rolled oats provide fiber, which helps digestion. Pecans add healthy fats and protein. Almond butter brings in more nutrients, too. This snack can fuel your day with energy. For more details, check the Full Recipe for the nutrition breakdown. In this blog post, we explored how to make tasty Maple Pecan Granola Bars. You learned about all the key ingredients and their healthy benefits. We offered swaps for dietary needs and shared tips for texture and flavor. You now know how to store these bars for freshness too. I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own delicious bars at home. Enjoy making them!

- Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Delight your taste buds with homemade Maple Pecan Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pecans, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup and almond butter, these bars are perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast on the go. Easy to make and oh-so-delicious, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy making your own tasty treats today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)

1/2 cup maple syrup

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

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chocolate chips

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the granola bars.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and sea salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.

        Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is coated evenly. Add dried cranberries or chocolate chips if desired and mix again.

          Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.

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

              Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, lift the granola bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board.

                Let them cool completely before slicing into bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars