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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) When I make these Maple Pecan Granola Bars, I love the rich flavors that come from simple ingredients. Rolled oats form the base. They give the bars a hearty texture. Pecan nuts add a sweet, nutty crunch. You can also use walnuts or almonds if you prefer. The choice between honey and maple syrup can change the taste. Honey gives a floral note, while maple syrup adds a warm, caramel-like flavor. Coconut oil keeps the bars moist and helps them hold together. Vanilla extract brings out the flavors in each bite. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness nicely. Dried cranberries or raisins add a fruity kick. If you have a sweet tooth, mini chocolate chips can make them extra special. These ingredients combine to make a snack that is both healthy and delicious. You can easily find them at your local grocery store. If you want the full recipe, check out the details above! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Start by getting your oven nice and warm. Preheating helps the bars bake evenly. Next, take a square baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. - Mix rolled oats, chopped pecans, and sea salt in a bowl. In a big bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and sea salt. Use a spoon to stir them well. This mix gives your bars a crunchy and tasty base. The salt enhances all the sweet flavors you’ll add later. - Combine honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Grab another bowl. Pour in the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until you see a smooth mix. This part adds sweetness and moisture to your bars. Perfect for keeping them chewy! - Combine wet and dry ingredients, press into the baking dish, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Now, pour the wet mix over the dry mix. Stir it all together until every oat and nut is coated. Now, fold in your dried cranberries or raisins if you like. Press this mixture firmly into your lined baking dish. Making it compact helps the bars hold their shape. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on the edges. When done, let them cool a bit before cutting. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Pressing the mixture firmly is key. This helps the bars hold together. Use your hands or a spatula to compact the mixture in the baking dish. After baking, let the bars cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This cooling time helps them set before you cut them. Store your granola bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from getting stale. They stay good for about one week at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them. For gatherings, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board. Add a sprinkle of whole pecans and drizzle maple syrup on top for a beautiful presentation. Pair them with tea or coffee for a delightful snack, or enjoy them with yogurt for a healthy breakfast option. {{image_4}} You can easily change the nuts and seeds in your granola bars. If you want a different taste, try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. These nuts add unique flavors and textures. You can also add seeds like chia or sunflower seeds. They boost nutrition and add a nice crunch. Seeds are great for extra fiber and healthy fats. To make your bars even tastier, consider adding spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can change the whole flavor. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also try adding extracts, like almond or maple. A few drops of these will enhance the sweet and nutty notes. This small change can create a whole new experience. If you need gluten-free snacks, you can make simple swaps. Instead of regular oats, choose gluten-free oats. They work just as well in this recipe. Make sure to check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of your maple pecan granola bars. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. Store your maple pecan granola bars in an airtight container. I prefer using glass jars or plastic bins. These keep the bars fresh and prevent them from getting stale. Before you place them in the container, let the bars cool completely. This step is key. It stops moisture from building up and keeps your bars crisp. Freezing is a great way to keep your granola bars for a longer time. To freeze, cut the bars into pieces first. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them from sticking together. When you want to enjoy a bar, take it out and let it thaw. Place it in the fridge for a few hours or on the counter for about 30 minutes. This way, you’ll get the best taste and texture. For more ideas on how to make these bars even better, check the Full Recipe. You can use various sugars, syrups, or sweeteners. Maple syrup works great. Agave nectar is another option. If you prefer granulated sugar, use a 1:1 ratio. Just remember, each sweetener may change the flavor slightly. To keep granola bars together, press the mixture down firmly. Use your hands or a spatula. Ensure you have the right ingredient ratios. Too much dry ingredient can lead to crumbling. Yes, you can make these bars vegan! Substitute honey with pure maple syrup or agave syrup. For coconut oil, use vegan butter or applesauce. These swaps keep the bars plant-based and delicious. Homemade granola bars last about a week when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. You can freeze them for up to three months. You can use quick oats, but the texture will change. Quick oats create a softer bar. Rolled oats give more chewiness and structure. If you like a heartier bite, stick with rolled oats. This blog showed you how to make tasty, homemade granola bars. We covered ingredients, simple steps, and handy tips for the best results. You learned about variations to fit your taste and storage methods to keep them fresh. In the end, making your own bars can save money and let you control flavors. With a bit of practice, you’ll create the perfect snack that’s healthy and fun. Enjoy your homemade granola bars!

- Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Discover the perfect snack with these delicious maple pecan granola bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, crunchy pecans, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup, these bars are easy to make and full of flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a quick energy boost, they can be customized with your favorite add-ins. Click to explore the full recipe and start creating your tasty, healthy snacks today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Allow some overhang on the edges so that you can easily lift out the bars after baking.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and sea salt. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is evenly blended.

      In another mixing bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until you obtain a smooth and homogenous mixture.

        Drizzle the wet mixture over the dry oat and pecan blend, then stir thoroughly until every grain of oats and nut piece is generously coated in the sticky goodness.

          Gently fold in the dried cranberries (or raisins) along with the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

            Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your lightly moistened hands, press the mixture down firmly to create an even and compact layer. This step is essential for creating bars that hold together well after baking.

              Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges become a lovely golden brown color. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

                Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This will help them firm up slightly before you lift them out.

                  Carefully use the parchment overhang to lift the granola block from the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely for approximately 30 minutes before cutting it into bars of your preferred size.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: For a delightful display, arrange the cooled granola bars on a rustic wooden serving board. Add a sprinkle of whole pecans around them and drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top for an elegant touch. For convenience, wrap each bar in parchment paper, perfect for a wholesome on-the-go snack!