![To make these tasty maple pecan granola bars, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll gather: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional for added sweetness) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins) These ingredients bring together sweet flavors and crunchy textures. The oats form the base, while the pecans add a rich, nutty taste. Coconut gives a hint of tropical flavor. Honey or maple syrup binds it all together. You can customize your granola bars with fun add-ins. Here are some great options: - Chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber - Dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch - Pumpkin seeds for a crunchy bite - Cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice These add-ins not only boost taste but also improve nutrition. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! Understanding the nutrition in your snack is key. Each bar holds important benefits. Here’s a quick look at what you get from one serving: - Calories: Approximately 200 - Protein: About 5g - Fiber: Roughly 3g - Healthy fats: Includes omega-3s from nuts and seeds - Natural sugars: From honey or maple syrup These bars offer energy and nutrients. They are a perfect choice for breakfast or a midday snack. You can feel good about enjoying them! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. Start by getting your oven ready. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Next, grab an 8x8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides a bit. This helps when you take the bars out later. In a big bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Stir these ingredients well. In another bowl, mix the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt. If you want it sweeter, add brown sugar. Whisk this mixture until it is smooth and well combined. Now, pour this wet mix over the dry mix. Stir until every piece is coated. Check for any dry spots. Finally, fold in the dried fruits gently. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down with a spatula so it is even and compact. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color on the edges. After baking, let the pan cool for at least 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift it out. Place it on a wire rack until it cools completely. Once cool, cut it into bars with a sharp knife. Check the [Full Recipe] for more details! To get the best texture, use rolled oats. They give a chewy base. Chopping pecans helps them mix well, adding crunch. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding brown sugar. This step is optional but can enhance the flavor. If you like a hint of coconut, use unsweetened shredded coconut. It adds a nice chewiness without too much sugar. One common mistake is not pressing the mixture firmly. If you do not press it down, the bars may crumble. Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients well. This ensures even flavor and texture. Also, avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on the edges. They should be golden brown, not dark. Dark edges mean burnt bars, which you want to avoid. To help the bars stay together, use enough binding agents. Almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) are key. They act like glue for the ingredients. Press the mixture firmly into the pan. The tighter you pack it, the better it will hold. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This step is crucial for maintaining shape. For a personal touch, drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the nuts in your bars. Use walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each nut adds its own flavor. You can also add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. They add crunch and nutrients. Mix and match to find your favorite blend! Adding fruit can change the taste of your bars. In summer, try dried mango or apricots. In fall, use dried apples or figs. These fruits add sweetness and make your bars special. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste. To make your granola bars gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free oats. This ensures no cross-contamination. You can also use nut flours instead of regular flour. Almond flour or coconut flour work well. This keeps the bars soft and tasty. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! To keep your maple pecan granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and maintains their crispness. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This prevents sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as heat can make the bars soft. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds if you want them warm. When stored properly, your granola bars will last about a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. If frozen, they can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your homemade snack, knowing it’s fresh and tasty! To make maple pecan granola bars vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup. Use almond butter instead of any dairy-based spreads. Make sure your ingredients are free from animal products. This way, you can enjoy a tasty snack that fits your diet. Yes, you can substitute maple syrup for honey in this recipe. Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness and works well with pecans. Use the same amount, so it’s a one-to-one swap. This change also makes the bars vegan-friendly. You can find ready-made maple pecan granola bars at most grocery stores. Look in the snack or health food aisle. Many brands offer tasty options. Just check the ingredient list for quality and nutrition. Granola bars can be a healthy snack choice. They are often high in fiber, which helps digestion. Nuts like pecans provide healthy fats and protein. Dried fruits add vitamins and minerals. When made at home, you control the ingredients, making them even healthier. You’ve learned how to make delightful maple pecan granola bars. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. You discovered ways to personalize your bars with different nuts or fruits. Also, we discussed storage tips to keep your bars fresh and tasty. Making these bars is fun and easy. Keep experimenting with flavors and textures. Enjoy your healthy snacks!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/83a440a9-4ee8-47f4-9cf9-302f9c363a34-250x250.webp)
- Maple Pecan Granola Bars
Delight in the perfect snack with these Maple Pecan Granola Bars! This easy recipe combines rolled oats, crunchy pecans, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Whip up a batch in just 45 minutes for a deliciously healthy treat that's great for on-the-go. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with these delightful homemade bars! Enjoy wholesome snacking anytime!