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To make tasty Maple Pecan Granola Bars, you need simple ingredients. Here’s the full list that will bring your bars to life: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped pecans - 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) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots) Each ingredient plays a big role in flavor and texture. The rolled oats give the bars their base and chewy texture. Chopped pecans add a rich nutty taste and crunch. Shredded coconut brings a hint of sweetness and chewiness. Honey or maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind everything together. Coconut oil adds moisture and a light coconut flavor. Almond butter provides creaminess and healthy fats. Brown sugar is optional but adds a deeper sweetness if desired. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, and salt balances the sweetness. Finally, mixed dried fruits give a burst of sweetness and color. Feel free to customize the dried fruits to your taste. You can use any mix you love! Enjoy preparing these bars with all these wholesome ingredients. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get an 8x8-inch baking pan ready. Line it with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Stir these dry ingredients well until they mix evenly. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of almond butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. For more sweetness, you can add 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth. 4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the larger bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly. Make sure every bit of dry ingredient gets coated with the wet mixture. 5. Carefully fold in 1/2 cup of mixed dried fruits, like cranberries or chopped apricots. Ensure they spread evenly throughout the granola mix. 6. Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. Make sure it is compact and even across the pan. 7. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn a nice golden brown. 8. Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool for at least 15 minutes while in the pan. Then, lift the granola out using the parchment paper. Move it to a wire rack to cool completely. 9. After cooling, use a sharp knife to cut the granola into 12 bars. These steps will help you create delicious Maple Pecan Granola Bars. For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. Mixing ingredients well is key to great granola bars. Start by combining the dry ingredients in one bowl. This includes the oats, pecans, and coconut. Stir them well to blend flavors. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients, like honey and almond butter. Make sure they are smooth before adding to the dry mix. This helps everything blend nicely. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is very important. When you press down, it helps the bars hold their shape. Use a spatula or your hands for this. A firm press ensures that the bars won’t crumble when you cut them. For serving, presentation is key. You can arrange the bars on a colorful platter. This makes them look inviting. If you're on the go, wrap each bar in parchment paper. This keeps them fresh and easy to grab. Pair these bars with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt. A banana or some berries add a nice touch. You could also enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a tasty snack. These simple ideas enhance the experience of your maple pecan granola bars. {{image_4}} You can change the nuts and seeds in these bars. If you dislike pecans, use almonds or walnuts. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds also work well. Each choice gives a new flavor and texture. For sweeteners, honey or maple syrup are great choices. You can swap them for agave nectar or brown rice syrup. Each one has its own taste, so try what you like best! Adding spices can elevate your bars. Cinnamon or nutmeg brings warmth. A dash of ginger adds a nice kick. You can also try vanilla or almond extract for a sweet touch. Dried fruits can change the whole taste. Mix in raisins, cranberries, or apricots. Each fruit adds its own sweetness and chewiness. You can even mix different fruits for more fun! To keep your maple pecan granola bars fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. They help prevent air and moisture from getting in. If you want to take them on the go, wrap each bar in parchment paper. This keeps them neat and easy to grab. For long-term storage, you can freeze the bars. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. When stored correctly, your granola bars can last up to a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you freeze them, they can last for about three months. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or a change in texture. If they feel hard or crumbly, it might be time to toss them. Always check before you snack! How to make maple pecan granola bars vegan? To make these bars vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. Use a plant-based butter. Choose a vegan protein or nut butter. Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, but the texture will change. Instant oats may make bars softer and less chewy. Where can I buy maple pecan granola bars? You can find them at grocery stores, health food shops, or online. Check the snack aisle for popular brands. What are the nutritional benefits of these bars? These bars offer fiber from oats and healthy fats from pecans. They also provide energy from natural sweeteners. What to do if the bars fall apart? If your bars crumble, ensure you pressed the mixture firmly before baking. You can add more nut butter or sweetener for binding. How to adjust sweetness level? To change the sweetness, add more maple syrup or brown sugar. Taste the mixture before baking to find your perfect balance. Are homemade granola bars healthier than store-bought? Yes, homemade bars usually have fewer additives and preservatives. You control the ingredients, making them fresher and healthier. Caloric content per bar and healthy alternatives? Each bar has about 150 calories. For a lighter option, reduce nut butter or sweetener. You can also add seeds for extra nutrients. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. Enjoy making your maple pecan granola bars! This blog post covered how to make maple pecan granola bars. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips. We explored many variations to please your taste buds. I also shared how to store your bars to keep them fresh. In the end, making these granola bars at home is fun and rewarding. You can adjust them to suit your needs and preferences. Enjoy your healthy snacks that are easy to make!

- Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Make your snack time delightful with these delicious Maple Pecan Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome oats, crunchy pecans, and chewy dried fruits, these bars are perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat. Easy to make in just 45 minutes, they are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup. Ready to impress your taste buds?
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Ingredients
  

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 extra sweetness)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring that it hangs over the edges. This will allow for easy removal of the granola bars later on.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Stir them together thoroughly until they are well mixed.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, almond butter, and vanilla extract. If you wish for added sweetness, incorporate the brown sugar and add the salt. Mix until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

        Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure each dry component is well coated with the wet mixture, making sure to eliminate any dry patches.

          Carefully fold in the mixed dried fruits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the granola mixture.

            Transfer the combined granola mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spatula or your hands, press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer.

              Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown color.

                Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes while still in the pan. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the granola out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  After the granola has fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 bars.

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the granola bars neatly on a decorative serving platter. For an easy on-the-go snack option, wrap individual bars in parchment paper or waxed paper. If you’d like to add a touch of flair, consider drizzling a bit of extra maple syrup over the top for a glistening finish and an extra hint of sweetness!