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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), chopped - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter These core ingredients form the base of the bars. The rolled oats give structure and fiber. The nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, while almond butter brings creaminess. - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt These flavoring agents bring warmth and sweetness. Brown sugar complements the honey or syrup. Ground cinnamon adds a rich, cozy flavor. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the tastes. Vanilla extract adds depth and rounds out the flavors. - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) These optional ingredients allow you to customize your bars. Dried cranberries or raisins contribute natural sweetness and chewiness. Mini chocolate chips add a fun twist, making the bars even more enjoyable. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats and 1 cup of chopped mixed nuts. Mix well to combine. - In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup) with 1/2 cup of almond butter. - Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. - Stir until the mixture is smooth, about 3-4 minutes. - Pour the warm mixture over the oats and nuts. Stir until all ingredients are coated. - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly with a spatula. - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. - Let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. - Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out. Cut into squares or bars. - Mix oats and nuts well for a balanced texture. - Use parchment paper in your pan for easy removal. Getting the right texture is key. If your oats and nuts are not mixed well, some bites may feel dry while others are too crunchy. By mixing them evenly, you ensure each bar has the same great taste. The parchment paper is a game changer. It helps lift the bars out easily, so you won't lose any bits when cutting. - Try different nuts for varied flavors. - Adjust the cinnamon and sweetener to suit your taste. You can make these bars unique by swapping in your favorite nuts. Almonds add a nice crunch, while walnuts give a rich taste. Don't be afraid to play with the cinnamon or sweetener levels, too. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. If you love cinnamon, sprinkle in a bit more. Your taste buds will thank you! - Stack bars neatly in containers or wrap them for easy snacks. - Pair with yogurt for a healthy breakfast option. Once your bars are cool, store them in a neat stack. Use parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh. You can also wrap them individually for on-the-go snacks. For a tasty breakfast, try pairing a bar with yogurt. The creaminess of the yogurt complements the crunch of the granola bars perfectly. {{image_2}} You can easily make these bars to fit your needs. If you need gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free oats. These oats work just as well and keep the taste intact. For a nut-free option, replace the mixed nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. This swap keeps your bars crunchy and fun. Want to change up the flavor? Try adding coconut flakes for a tropical twist. This gives a lovely chew and a hint of sweetness. You can also mix in spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth. These spices bring extra depth to each bite. You can adjust the texture of your bars. If you prefer chewier bars, add a bit more almond butter or honey. For crunchier bars, bake them a little longer. You can also adjust the mix-ins based on your dietary needs. For example, if you can’t have honey, use maple syrup instead. This way, you can make your granola bars just how you like them! Store your granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. Cold storage will extend their shelf life and help maintain their texture. Wrap each bar individually and freeze them. This makes it easy to grab a snack whenever you want. When you crave a bar, simply thaw it for a few minutes. You’ll have a quick and nutritious treat ready to enjoy. Enjoy your bars within 1-2 weeks if stored correctly. Always check for freshness before eating. If they smell off or look different, it's best to toss them. Keeping your granola bars in proper conditions ensures you savor every bite! You can make these bars nut-free by using seeds instead. Try sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They add crunch and nutrition. Just replace the mixed nuts with your chosen seeds. This keeps the bars tasty and safe for those with nut allergies. Yes, you can swap sweeteners! Agave syrup and brown rice syrup both work well. Each option gives a unique flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste. Just ensure you use a similar liquid amount to keep the texture right. Absolutely! Use maple syrup as your sweetener. Also, choose a vegan nut butter. This makes the bars fully vegan. You still get all the delicious flavors without any animal products. It's a perfect snack for everyone. These bars are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. The oats provide energy, while the nut butter adds protein. The dried fruit gives a sweet touch and extra fiber. They make a great snack for kids and adults alike! These maple cinnamon granola bars are easy to make with simple ingredients. We covered the essentials like oats, nuts, and sweeteners. I shared tips for texture and flavor, plus variations for different diets. Store these bars well for fresh, convenient snacks. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your results! Making healthy choices can be fun and tasty.

Maple Cinnamon Granola Bars

Craving a delicious and healthy snack? Discover how to make irresistible Maple Cinnamon Granola Bars that are perfect for any time of day! Packed with rolled oats, mixed nuts, and a hint of cinnamon, these homemade bars are both nutritious and satisfying. Easy to prepare, they make for great grab-and-go snacks.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), chopped

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped mixed nuts. Mix well to combine.

      In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 3-4 minutes.

        Pour the warm mixture over the oat and nut mix. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.

          Fold in the dried cranberries and optional chocolate chips to the mixture.

            Transfer the granola mix into the prepared baking pan and press down firmly with a spatula until even and compact.

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

                Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.

                  Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Stack the granola bars neatly in a container with a piece of parchment in between layers. You can also wrap individual bars in wax paper for easy grab-and-go snacks!