Pecan Granola Bars
Pecan Granola Bars are chewy, crunchy, and perfect for healthy everyday snacking. These homemade bars combine oats, pecans, honey, and nut butter for a rich flavor. You can prepare them easily using simple pantry ingredients and minimal preparation time. They work great as breakfast, lunch box treats, travel snacks, or post-workout bites.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking tray or square pan
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter or smooth almond butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or natural coconut oil
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and carefully line a square baking pan.
2. Spread oats and pecans on a tray and toast until lightly fragrant.
3. Add honey, nut butter, and coconut oil into a small warm saucepan.
4. Stir the mixture gently until everything becomes smooth and fully combined.
5. Transfer toasted oats, pecans, cinnamon, salt, and chia seeds into one bowl.
6. Pour the warm, wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix evenly throughout.
7. Fold dried cranberries and chocolate chips gently into the prepared granola mixture carefully.
8. Use a spatula to firmly press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
9. Bake the bars until golden around the edges and lightly crisp on top.
10. Let the mixture cool completely before slicing into neat homemade pecan granola bars.
Notes
- Press the mixture firmly for bars that hold together without crumbling easily.
- Toasted oats and pecans bring richer flavor and a delicious, crunchy texture to the bars.
- Cool the bars completely before cutting to get neat and perfectly shaped square pieces.
- Store bars inside airtight containers to maintain freshness and chewy texture longer.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for an easy vegan-friendly recipe variation.
- Add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and added healthy nutrition.
- Refrigerate the bars during warm weather to keep them firm and fresh longer.