Maple Pecan Granola Bars Easy and Tasty Snack

Looking for a quick snack that’s both tasty and healthy? Let me introduce you to my Maple Pecan Granola Bars! These bars are easy to make and packed with nutrients. Whether you need a boost before a workout or a sweet treat for your kids, these bars hit the spot. Join me as I guide you through simple steps to create a delicious snack that you’ll love!

Ingredients

To make your Maple Pecan Granola Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups rolled oats

– 1 cup pecans, chopped

– 1/2 cup almond butter

– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

These ingredients work together to create a tasty and chewy snack. The oats provide a hearty base, while the pecans add crunch. Almond butter offers healthy fats, and maple syrup gives a natural sweetness. Honey enhances the flavor, making each bite delightful. Vanilla, cinnamon, and salt round out the taste. If you like, toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.

You can find the Full Recipe for a step-by-step guide on how to bring these delicious bars to life!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Overview

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up your oven for baking. Next, prepare your baking dish. Use an 8×8-inch dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift your bars out later.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats with 1 cup of chopped pecans. Stir well to mix them. This helps ensure that the pecans are spread evenly throughout the oats.

Creating the Wet Mixture

In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1/4 cup of honey. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir this mixture over low heat until it becomes smooth. This process takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

Combining Mixtures

Once your wet mixture is ready, pour it over the dry oat and pecan mix. If you want, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins now. Mix everything together well. Make sure the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the sticky mixture.

Baking Process

Next, transfer the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use clean hands or a spatula to press the mixture down firmly. This step helps your bars hold their shape when baked. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for golden brown edges.

Cooling and Cutting

After baking, take them out and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely. Once cool, cut them into your desired shapes, either bars or squares. Store your maple pecan granola bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. For the Full Recipe, check the details above.

Tips & Tricks

Storage Solutions

To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out. I recommend using a glass container or a plastic one with a secure lid. If you stack the bars, place parchment paper between them. This prevents sticking. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to let them reach room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These granola bars look lovely when served in a decorative basket. Line the basket with a cloth napkin for a nice touch. You can also cut them into fun shapes for kids. Pair them with yogurt for breakfast or a snack. They go well with fresh fruit too, like sliced bananas or berries. You can also enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the dish. This step is key to keeping the bars together. Use clean hands or a spatula to press it down well. Another mistake is not watching the baking time. The edges should turn golden brown. If they look too dark, they may taste burnt. Check them a few minutes before the timer goes off.

Variations

Flavor Modifications

You can change the nuts in your granola bars. Try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Each nut brings a different taste and crunch. You can also use flavored nut butters. For example, a peanut butter or cashew butter can add a new twist.

Add-Ins

Consider adding dried fruits for extra flavor. Chopped apricots or figs can change the taste of your bars. You can also mix in seeds like chia or flaxseeds. These seeds add nutrition and a nice crunch.

Dietary Considerations

If you need gluten-free bars, choose certified gluten-free oats. This way, you can enjoy them without worry. For vegan options, replace honey with more maple syrup or agave nectar. Both work well and keep the bars sweet.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

Each Maple Pecan Granola Bar has about 200 calories. This makes them a great snack choice. The bars have a balanced mix of macronutrients. Here’s how they break down:

Carbohydrates: 24 grams

Protein: 5 grams

Fat: 10 grams

These numbers can change slightly based on any add-ins or substitutions.

Health Benefits

Oats and pecans bring many health benefits to the table. Oats are high in fiber. This helps keep your digestion smooth. Fiber also keeps you feeling full longer. Pecans are packed with healthy fats. They support heart health and provide energy.

The fiber in these bars aids in digestion. Healthy fats from pecans help reduce bad cholesterol. Together, they make these bars a smart snack. Enjoying them can support your overall health.

FAQs

How long do Maple Pecan Granola Bars last?

Maple Pecan Granola Bars stay fresh for about a week. Keep them in an airtight container. This helps them avoid getting soft or stale. For best results, store them at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. This can keep them fresh for up to two weeks.

Can I freeze Maple Pecan Granola Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars! First, cut them into pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat one, just take it out and let it thaw.

What can I substitute for almond butter?

If you need a substitute for almond butter, try peanut butter or cashew butter. You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Each will give a different flavor but still taste great. Just make sure the texture is similar so your bars hold together.

Are Maple Pecan Granola Bars suitable for kids?

Definitely! These bars make a great snack for kids. They are packed with oats and nuts, providing good energy. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that kids love. They are healthier than many store-bought snacks. Just keep an eye on portion sizes for younger children.

How can I make these granola bars lower in sugar?

To cut down on sugar, use less maple syrup or honey. You can also swap in mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. Both give sweetness without added sugar. Another option is to use sugar-free syrup. This way, you keep the flavor while reducing the sugar content.

Where can I find the Full Recipe?

You can find the Full Recipe for these crunchy maple pecan granola bars [here](#).

In this post, we covered how to make Maple Pecan Granola Bars. We listed the key ingredients and gave easy steps. You learned what to do from mixing to baking and cooling. I shared tips for storage and serving. I also discussed possible variations and nutrition facts.

These bars are tasty, healthy, and great for snacks. You can adapt the recipe to fit your needs. Enjoy making them your own!

To make your Maple Pecan Granola Bars, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup honey - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) These ingredients work together to create a tasty and chewy snack. The oats provide a hearty base, while the pecans add crunch. Almond butter offers healthy fats, and maple syrup gives a natural sweetness. Honey enhances the flavor, making each bite delightful. Vanilla, cinnamon, and salt round out the taste. If you like, toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture. You can find the Full Recipe for a step-by-step guide on how to bring these delicious bars to life! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up your oven for baking. Next, prepare your baking dish. Use an 8x8-inch dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift your bars out later. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats with 1 cup of chopped pecans. Stir well to mix them. This helps ensure that the pecans are spread evenly throughout the oats. In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1/4 cup of honey. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir this mixture over low heat until it becomes smooth. This process takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Once your wet mixture is ready, pour it over the dry oat and pecan mix. If you want, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins now. Mix everything together well. Make sure the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the sticky mixture. Next, transfer the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use clean hands or a spatula to press the mixture down firmly. This step helps your bars hold their shape when baked. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for golden brown edges. After baking, take them out and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely. Once cool, cut them into your desired shapes, either bars or squares. Store your maple pecan granola bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. For the Full Recipe, check the details above. To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out. I recommend using a glass container or a plastic one with a secure lid. If you stack the bars, place parchment paper between them. This prevents sticking. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to let them reach room temperature before serving. These granola bars look lovely when served in a decorative basket. Line the basket with a cloth napkin for a nice touch. You can also cut them into fun shapes for kids. Pair them with yogurt for breakfast or a snack. They go well with fresh fruit too, like sliced bananas or berries. You can also enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. One common mistake is not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the dish. This step is key to keeping the bars together. Use clean hands or a spatula to press it down well. Another mistake is not watching the baking time. The edges should turn golden brown. If they look too dark, they may taste burnt. Check them a few minutes before the timer goes off. {{image_4}} You can change the nuts in your granola bars. Try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Each nut brings a different taste and crunch. You can also use flavored nut butters. For example, a peanut butter or cashew butter can add a new twist. Consider adding dried fruits for extra flavor. Chopped apricots or figs can change the taste of your bars. You can also mix in seeds like chia or flaxseeds. These seeds add nutrition and a nice crunch. If you need gluten-free bars, choose certified gluten-free oats. This way, you can enjoy them without worry. For vegan options, replace honey with more maple syrup or agave nectar. Both work well and keep the bars sweet. Each Maple Pecan Granola Bar has about 200 calories. This makes them a great snack choice. The bars have a balanced mix of macronutrients. Here’s how they break down: - Carbohydrates: 24 grams - Protein: 5 grams - Fat: 10 grams These numbers can change slightly based on any add-ins or substitutions. Oats and pecans bring many health benefits to the table. Oats are high in fiber. This helps keep your digestion smooth. Fiber also keeps you feeling full longer. Pecans are packed with healthy fats. They support heart health and provide energy. The fiber in these bars aids in digestion. Healthy fats from pecans help reduce bad cholesterol. Together, they make these bars a smart snack. Enjoying them can support your overall health. Maple Pecan Granola Bars stay fresh for about a week. Keep them in an airtight container. This helps them avoid getting soft or stale. For best results, store them at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. This can keep them fresh for up to two weeks. Yes, you can freeze these bars! First, cut them into pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat one, just take it out and let it thaw. If you need a substitute for almond butter, try peanut butter or cashew butter. You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Each will give a different flavor but still taste great. Just make sure the texture is similar so your bars hold together. Definitely! These bars make a great snack for kids. They are packed with oats and nuts, providing good energy. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that kids love. They are healthier than many store-bought snacks. Just keep an eye on portion sizes for younger children. To cut down on sugar, use less maple syrup or honey. You can also swap in mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. Both give sweetness without added sugar. Another option is to use sugar-free syrup. This way, you keep the flavor while reducing the sugar content. You can find the Full Recipe for these crunchy maple pecan granola bars [here](#). In this post, we covered how to make Maple Pecan Granola Bars. We listed the key ingredients and gave easy steps. You learned what to do from mixing to baking and cooling. I shared tips for storage and serving. I also discussed possible variations and nutrition facts. These bars are tasty, healthy, and great for snacks. You can adapt the recipe to fit your needs. Enjoy making them your own!

- Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Satisfy your snack cravings with these Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup and honey, these easy-to-make bars are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Take just 15 minutes to prepare and enjoy a healthy treat that everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your snacking game today!

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup almond butter

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some overhang on the sides for easier removal later on.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped pecans. Stir thoroughly to ensure the nuts are evenly distributed among the oats.

      In a small saucepan, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Heat over low flame, stirring gently until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined—this should take about 3-5 minutes.

        Once melted, pour the warm almond butter mixture over the oat and pecan mixture. If you’re using dried cranberries or raisins, add them now. Mix everything together well, ensuring the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the sticky mixture.

          Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. With clean hands or a spatula, firmly press the mixture down evenly into the bottom of the dish. This step is crucial for achieving bars that hold their shape after baking.

            Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent any burnt bits.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a wire rack to cool completely.

                After the bars have cooled, cut them into your desired shape—either bars or squares. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: For a delightful touch, serve these granola bars in a decorative basket lined with a cloth napkin. They make a great grab-and-go snack or a wholesome addition to your breakfast spread!

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