Irresistible Maple Pecan Granola Bars Recipe to Energize You

Imagine biting into a crunchy, sweet treat that’s bursting with the warm flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans. That’s exactly what you get with these delightful Maple Pecan Granola Bars. They’re the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, making every bite an exciting adventure for your taste buds.

Now, think about the last time you felt your energy dip in the middle of a busy day. You reach for a snack, but instead of a sugar-laden bar, you pull out one of these homemade delights. The aroma alone is enough to lift your spirits, promising wholesome ingredients and a satisfying crunch with each bite.

I still remember the first time I made these bars; my friends devoured them in minutes, asking for seconds like they were candy.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; they hold up well while baking.

• Pecans: Opt for fresh pecans; roasting them brings out their rich flavor and adds crunch.

• Maple Syrup: Choose pure maple syrup for authentic sweetness that pairs beautifully with nuts.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy, it adds richness and binds all ingredients together perfectly.

• Honey: A touch of honey enhances sweetness and helps achieve that chewy bar consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile to new heights.

• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and chopped pecans. Stir them together until evenly blended; this ensures every bite has that nutty goodness.

Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix maple syrup, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. This sticky mixture will coat your dry ingredients perfectly.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated. This step is crucial; you want every oat coated in that delicious sweetness!

Press into Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down firmly; this helps create those perfect granola bars we all crave.

Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares or rectangles. Trust me; waiting is hard when they smell this good!

With these Maple Pecan Granola Bars in hand, you’re not just snacking—you’re treating yourself to something wholesome and delicious!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by toasting the pecans for extra flavor while you mix the dry ingredients. Then, combine everything in a bowl before pressing into a lined baking dish. Bake until golden brown for that perfect crunch.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavors. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for an extra burst of sweetness and chewiness.

Storing & Reheating

Store your maple pecan granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they become too soft, pop them in the fridge briefly to regain their crunch.

Creating these maple pecan granola bars brought back memories of my childhood kitchen, where I learned from my grandmother, who always had a delicious snack ready.

FAQ

Can I make these granola bars nut-free?

Yes, substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds easily.

How long do these granola bars last?

They can last up to one week if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey or agave syrup are great alternatives for natural sweetness.

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Maple Pecan Granola Bars

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Maple Pecan Granola Bars are a delightful, wholesome snack that perfectly balances chewy and crunchy textures. Bursting with the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans, these bars are easy to make and provide a nourishing boost any time of the day. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, they promise to satisfy your cravings without the guilt of store-bought snacks.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix rolled oats and chopped pecans until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir until well coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling completely before cutting into bars.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added flavor, toast pecans in the oven prior to mixing. Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles. Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries for extra sweetness.