Description
These Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack, packed with rolled oats, dried apples, nuts, and a touch of cinnamon. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup and applesauce, they offer a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures. Easy to make and perfect for on-the-go, they are a nutritious and satisfying treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apples
- 1/2 cup almonds or walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dried apples, and chopped nuts, stirring well to distribute evenly.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey (or maple syrup), unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, almond butter (or peanut butter), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and just begins to bubble, then remove from heat.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are fully coated and combined.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula. This helps the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. For chewier bars, bake closer to 20 minutes; for crispier bars, bake near 25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown when done.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan to set. Once cooled, lift out the parchment paper and slice into 10 bars.
Notes
- Adjust baking time depending on desired texture: 20 minutes for chewier bars, up to 25 minutes for crispier bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate bars for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
