How to Make Chewy Cranberry Almond Granola Bars
Granola bars are a fantastic snack for any time of the day. Whether you’re on the go, need a quick breakfast, or looking for a healthy snack, granola bars can always save the day. But, let’s be honest, store-bought ones can be a hit or miss, and sometimes, they’re packed with more sugar and preservatives than you’d prefer. The good news? Making your own granola bars is super easy, and today, I’ll walk you through crafting some delicious, chewy cranberry almond granola bars right in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
To get started, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (or coconut oil for a vegan variation)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Note: Feel free to swap out almonds or cranberries with your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Cooking is all about making recipes work for you!
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- 8×8 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Preparing the Ingredients:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your baking dish and line it with parchment paper leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift out the granola bars later. This will help with cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Toasting the Oats and Almonds:
Spread the oats and sliced almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. This step is crucial as it brings out the nutty flavor in the oats and almonds.
3. Warming the Liquid Ingredients:
While the oats and almonds are toasting, take a saucepan and combine the honey (or maple syrup) with butter (or coconut oil). Warm this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture is well-combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mixing It All Together:
In a large bowl, mix the toasted oats and almonds, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the warm honey-butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is nicely coated and starts to stick together.
5. Shaping and Baking:
Transfer your granola mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands (wet your hands a bit to prevent sticking), firmly press the mixture into the pan in an even layer. Pressing firmly here is the key to ensuring your bars don’t fall apart later.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are golden on the edges. The center might seem a bit soft, but don’t worry, it will harden as it cools.
6. Cooling and Cutting:
This might be the hardest part — waiting. Let the granola slab cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This could take at least an hour, but it’s crucial for getting those chewy bars. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.
Chop the slab into bars or squares, depending on your preference. If you find the edges crumbling, don’t worry; those crumbs make a delicious yogurt topping!
Storage Tips:
Store your chewy cranberry almond granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days, if they last that long! They’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes, grabbing post-workout, or just enjoying as a delightful, homemade snack.
Wrapping Up:
Congratulations! You’ve just made a batch of chewy, flavorsome cranberry almond granola bars right from scratch. Not only do they taste better than the store-bought ones, but you also control what goes into them, making these granola bars a healthier option. Plus, the process is straightforward, fun, and leaves room for creativity. So next time, don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients. Happy snacking!
