Go Back
- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup almond butter (or nut butter of choice) - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruits) - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) Gathering the right ingredients makes a big difference. I love using rolled oats for the base. They add a hearty texture and lots of fiber. Pecans bring a nice crunch and rich flavor. Almond butter is my go-to for binding. It gives a smooth, nutty taste. Maple syrup adds sweetness and a touch of warmth. I also use honey or agave syrup. This choice depends on my mood and dietary needs. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma, while cinnamon gives a warm spice. Salt balances the sweetness. Dried cranberries or other fruits add chewiness and color. If I want a sweet twist, I sometimes toss in dark chocolate chips. They melt slightly, making the bars extra tasty. These ingredients come together to create a healthy snack. You can enjoy them any time of day. For the full recipe, check out my detailed guide. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets the oven ready for baking. Next, line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Stir them together well. This mix gives the bars a nice crunch and flavor. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of honey (or agave syrup), 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Microwave this mixture for about 30-45 seconds. This makes it warm and easy to mix. Stir until smooth. Pour the warm mixture over the oats and pecans. Mix everything well. Make sure the dry ingredients are evenly coated. If you want, fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. These add sweetness and extra flavor. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or your hands. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown. This shows they are done. Let the granola bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. After that, use the parchment paper to lift them out. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars of your desired size. You can store them in an airtight container. For the full recipe, check above. To get the best texture, you must press the mixture firmly. Use your hands or a spatula to make it compact. This helps the bars stick together. If they are loose, they may crumble. Balancing sweetness and health is key. Use pure maple syrup for flavor, but don’t overdo it. Add just enough to keep it sweet without adding too much sugar. You want these granola bars to be yummy and nutritious. You can add fun mix-ins to your bars. Try adding sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or even coconut flakes. These can boost nutrition and flavor. If you have dietary needs, feel free to swap ingredients. Use sunflower butter instead of almond butter for nut-free options. You can also use agave syrup in place of honey for a vegan choice. These bars are perfect for snacks or breakfast. Pair them with yogurt or fresh fruit for a tasty meal. They also work well as a quick energy boost before a workout. If you have leftover bars, use them in trail mix or crumble them over oatmeal. They add crunch and flavor to many dishes. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! {{image_2}} If you want a nut-free version, you can swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter. This keeps the bars creamy and delicious. For mix-ins, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. You can also add coconut flakes or chocolate chips. These swaps keep the flavor fun and tasty. For a gluten-free option, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. This choice gives the same chewy texture without gluten. You can also add gluten-free puffed rice for extra crunch. When adding fruits, use dried fruits that are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these bars. To make these bars vegan, replace honey with agave syrup. This keeps it sweet and plant-based. Always check your chocolate chips, as some may contain dairy. Using dark chocolate chips that are dairy-free will make the bars fully vegan. These small swaps keep every bite enjoyable and guilt-free. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your maple pecan granola bars fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. You can also wrap them in parchment paper. This helps maintain their texture. Avoid using containers that allow air in. If stored at room temperature, these bars last about a week. Keep them in a cool, dry place. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. The cold helps keep them firm and tasty. You can freeze your granola bars for longer storage. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can easily make these bars nut-free. Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. Replace pecans with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. These options add crunch and flavor without nuts. Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup. Honey adds a floral taste, while agave syrup is milder. You can also try brown sugar or coconut sugar, but these may change the texture a bit. Absolutely! These bars are packed with good nutrients. They provide fiber from oats and protein from nut butter. Pecans offer healthy fats, which are great for your heart. Plus, dried fruits add natural sweetness and vitamins. You can find these bars at many grocery stores. Look for brands like Nature Valley or KIND. Health food stores often carry them too. You can also buy them online for easy access. You can get creative! Add chocolate chips for a sweet treat. Use raisins or dried apricots for a fruity twist. Spice it up with nutmeg or ginger for a warm flavor. You can even add seeds like chia or flax for extra nutrients. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. You can make tasty Maple Pecan Granola Bars with simple steps. We covered all you need: the list of ingredients, easy instructions, and tips to make them perfect. You can customize your bars and even find storage tips. Whether you want them nut-free or vegan, there are options for everyone. Try making them at home for a healthy snack. Enjoy your delicious, homemade bars anytime. Good luck with your granola-making adventures!

Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Maple Pecan Granola Bars! These nutritious bars are packed with rolled oats, crunchy pecans, and sweet maple syrup, making for a perfect snack any time of day. Easy to make in just 45 minutes, they're great for on-the-go energy or a midday treat. Discover the full recipe and tips for customization that everyone will love. Click to explore these delightful granola bars today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of choice)

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup honey or agave syrup (for a vegan option)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruits)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped pecans. Mix them together until well combined.

      In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add the almond butter, maple syrup, honey (or agave syrup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Microwave the mixture for about 30-45 seconds, until warm and easier to mix. Stir until smooth.

        Pour the warm mixture over the oat and pecan combination. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.

          Fold in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips, if using, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the mixture.

            Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands (damped slightly to prevent sticking) to press it down firmly and evenly.

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

                Allow the granola bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

                  Once cooled, cut into bars of your desired size and store in an airtight container.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars