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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1/2 cup honey - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your favorite dried fruit) - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) I love using these simple ingredients to make my Maple Pecan Granola Bars. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. The rolled oats provide a hearty base. They are chewy and full of fiber. The chopped pecans add a nice crunch and rich taste. Almond butter gives a creamy feel and healthy fats. Maple syrup and honey sweeten the bars naturally. For a pop of color and flavor, I like to add dried cranberries. If you want a treat, mini chocolate chips work well too. Each serving has about 200 calories. You get around 5 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbohydrates. The bars are also rich in vitamins and minerals, like magnesium and vitamin E. Oats are great for heart health. They help lower cholesterol and keep you full. Pecans are high in antioxidants and good fats. Almond butter is a solid source of protein and vitamin E. Using maple syrup and honey gives natural sweetness without refined sugars. These sweeteners come with some nutrients too. Enjoy making these healthy bars knowing they fuel your body well! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even baking. Next, line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats with 1 cup of chopped pecans. Stir them well to combine. This blend gives the bars a great crunch. In a small saucepan, melt the wet ingredients. Add 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Heat over low flame and stir for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. This mixture will be sweet and creamy. Now, pour the hot almond butter mix over the oats and pecans. Stir until every piece is coated. It should look sticky and delicious. Then, fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips if you like a bit of sweet. Transfer the mixture to your lined baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. Make sure it’s even and compact. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a light golden color around the edges. This shows they are done. After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a cutting board. Once they are completely cool, cut them into bars. You can make them any size you want. Enjoy your tasty maple pecan granola bars! For the full recipe, check out the complete article. To make the best maple pecan granola bars, adjust the sweetness to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup or honey. If you want a less sweet bar, cut back on the sweeteners. Next, think about texture. If you want a chewier bar, try adding more almond butter. For a crunchier bar, increase the amount of oats or pecans. You can also mix in seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. When serving your granola bars, arrange them on a rustic wooden platter. This adds charm and warmth to your snack. Drizzle some extra maple syrup over the top for a glossy finish. You can also sprinkle a few whole pecans on the side for decoration. This makes the bars look fancy and inviting. Sometimes, you may find your granola bars too crumbly. To avoid this, make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. This helps it stick together better. If the bars are still crumbly, try adding a bit more almond butter next time. If your granola turns out sticky, it might be because of too much wet ingredients. To fix this, add a bit more oats. This will help absorb the extra moisture. If you find the mixture sticky while mixing, a little more salt can help balance the flavors and texture. {{image_2}} You can change the nuts and seeds in your granola bars. Try walnuts or almonds for a new taste. Sunflower seeds add a nice crunch too. You can also mix in pumpkin seeds for added nutrients. Dried fruits can change your bars completely. Use raisins, apricots, or figs instead of cranberries. Each fruit adds its own flavor and sweetness. It’s fun to experiment and find your favorite mix. Adding spices brings warmth to your bars. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. These spices work well with maple syrup and pecans, giving a cozy taste. You can also switch sweeteners. Instead of honey, use agave syrup for a milder flavor. This change can make your bars vegan-friendly too. Enjoy mixing flavors to find what you love most. If you follow a vegan diet, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter. This keeps the bars creamy without dairy. Use maple syrup, as it is vegan-friendly. For gluten-free options, choose certified gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy your tasty bars. If you prefer low-carb, replace oats with nuts and seeds. This makes a crunchy, energy-packed snack. Store your maple pecan granola bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. If you don’t have an airtight container, you can use plastic wrap. However, it may not keep them as fresh. You can keep them at room temperature. They do well in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as that can make them stale. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. Granola bars can last about one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Look for signs of spoilage like a change in smell or color. If they feel too hard or dry, they may not taste good anymore. To freeze your granola bars, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, simply take one out and let it thaw at room temperature. If you want, you can also warm them up in the oven for a few minutes. This makes them soft and tasty again. Yes, you can! Here are some great options: - Almonds - Walnuts - Cashews - Hazelnuts These nuts will add different flavors and textures. Choose what you like best. Some popular homemade snack bars include: - Peanut butter oat bars - Chocolate chip protein bars - Fruit and nut bars These recipes each have unique tastes and textures. They offer a fun way to mix things up! You can find them at many stores. Some trusted brands include: - Kind - Nature Valley - Quaker Check your local grocery or health food stores for these options. To achieve a chewy texture, adjust these ingredients: - Use more almond butter - Increase the honey or maple syrup - Bake for a shorter time These changes will create a softer bite. You’ll love the new texture! Yes, these bars are quite healthy! They offer: - Whole grains from oats - Healthy fats from pecans and almond butter - Natural sweetness from honey and maple syrup These ingredients provide energy and nutrients. Enjoy them as a wholesome snack! In this post, we explored how to make delicious maple pecan granola bars. We discussed the key ingredients, their nutritional value, and the health benefits. You learned the step-by-step instructions for mixing and baking. We also shared tips for perfecting your bars and ways to adjust the recipe. Remember, you can customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Make these treats your own! Enjoy the sweet crunch while nourishing your body. Happy snacking!

Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Maple Pecan Granola Bars! Packed with heart-healthy oats, crunchy pecans, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup and honey, these bars are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on-the-go. Plus, they're customizable with your favorite dried fruits and optional chocolate chips. Click through for the full recipe and discover how easy it is to create your own wholesome treats!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup almond butter

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your favorite dried fruit)

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped pecans. Mix well to ensure they are evenly distributed.

      In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir continuously until melted and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.

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

          Fold in the dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips (if using) until fully integrated.

            Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even and compact layer.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the granola out using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board.

                  Once completely cooled, cut into bars of your desired size.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the granola bars on a rustic wooden platter, drizzling extra maple syrup over the top for a glossy finish, and sprinkle a few whole pecans on the side for decoration.