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To make Maple Pecan Sticky Granola Bars, gather these items: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter) - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) These ingredients blend well for a tasty and chewy bar. If you have allergies or dietary needs, swaps can help. For nut allergies, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. This gives a similar texture without nuts. You can also replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan option. If you prefer gluten-free options, make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free. Want to make these bars even better? Here are some fun add-ins: - Dried fruit: Try adding apricots, figs, or apples for extra sweetness. - Seeds: Chia seeds or pumpkin seeds give a crunch and boost nutrition. - Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the flavor. These options allow you to customize your bars to match your taste. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Stir these dry ingredients together until they mix well. This will be the base of your granola bars. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Microwave this mixture for about 30 seconds. It should be warm and easy to stir. Mix until it is smooth and well combined. Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir everything together until the oats and nuts are well coated. If you want, fold in 1/2 cup of cranberries or mini chocolate chips. Next, transfer this mixture to your baking pan. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. Make sure it is an even layer. Now, place the pan in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. Once baked, take the pan out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. After that, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your tasty snack! To get the right texture, use fresh ingredients. Old oats can make your bars dry. Mix well to coat all the oats and nuts. A sticky mixture helps hold the bars together. Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps shape them better when baked. Even baking is key for great granola bars. Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature. Use an 8x8 inch pan for even heat. Check the bars at 20 minutes. Look for golden edges, which mean they are done. If the center is soft, bake a few more minutes. For serving, stack the bars on a nice platter. Drizzle extra maple syrup on top for shine. A sprinkle of chopped pecans adds color and crunch. You can also wrap them in parchment for a cute gift. These bars are perfect for snacks or breakfast on the go! {{image_2}} If you want to make a nut-free version, you can swap out the pecans. Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead. They add crunch and nutrition. You can also increase the amount of coconut in your mix. This keeps the texture fun and chewy. For a vegan twist, use agave syrup instead of honey. Choose almond or sunflower seed butter to replace peanut butter. This keeps your bars plant-based and just as tasty. Plus, use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want to add chocolate. You can change up the flavor to keep things exciting. Try adding mini chocolate chips for a sweet treat. Dried fruit like apricots or mango can add a fruity zing. You might even want to sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Each new flavor makes your granola bars unique! Store your Maple Pecan Sticky Granola Bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can stack the bars between sheets of parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking together. Make sure to place the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them near heat or moisture. These granola bars will stay fresh for up to one week. After that, they may lose some flavor and texture. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. You can easily make a big batch and enjoy them over time. To freeze your granola bars, cut them into squares first. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they stay protected. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. Enjoy a quick and healthy snack anytime! Yes, you can use different nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well. Just chop them roughly, like the pecans. Each nut adds its own flavor. So, feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix. To get a crunchier texture, bake them a bit longer. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Press the mixture down firmly in the pan before baking. This helps them hold together and get crisp. Let them cool completely before cutting. This step is key for crunch! If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is a great choice. Agave syrup works too, especially for a vegan option. Both options will keep the bars sticky and sweet. Just remember that each syrup has its own taste, which will change the flavor a bit. These granola bars are a healthy snack option. They contain oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners. Oats provide fiber, while nuts offer healthy fats. If you add dried fruit, you get more vitamins. Just watch the portion size, as they are still a treat! You learned how to make delicious granola bars today. We discussed ingredients, steps, and helpful tips. Knowing how to adjust flavors and textures lets you personalize your bars. Remember to store them properly for freshness. With these tips, you can create tasty snacks that fit your needs. Enjoy experimenting with variations and share your treats with others. Keep these ideas handy as you bake, and enjoy the process!

Maple Pecan Sticky Granola Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Maple Pecan Sticky Granola Bars! Perfect for an energy boost or a sweet treat, these bars are easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pecans, and a hint of maple syrup. Discover how to create these chewy delights with our simple recipe. Click through to explore the full recipe and delight your taste buds with this healthy snack option!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

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

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

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

      In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm and easily mixable. Stir until smooth and well blended.

        Pour the warm mixture over the dry oat mixture. Mix thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are coated.

          If using, fold in the dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips at this stage.

            Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.

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

                Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting the bars out using the parchment paper.

                  Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

                    Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: Stack the bars neatly on a serving platter and drizzle with extra maple syrup for a glossy finish. Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for added texture and visual appeal.