Description
These Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack packed with the natural sweetness of dried apples and warm cinnamon. They combine rolled oats, nuts, and seeds with a sticky blend of honey, applesauce, and almond butter to create chewy, satisfying bars perfect for lunchboxes, quick snacks, or on-the-go energy boosts.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apples
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/2 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 make removal easier.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dried apples, cinnamon, salt, nuts, and seeds (if using). Stir until thoroughly blended.
- Heat wet ingredients: Place the honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, applesauce, and almond butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and warmed through. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly so all the dry ingredients are evenly coated and a sticky batter forms.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to firmly press the mixture evenly into the pan’s corners and surface to ensure cohesiveness during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown shade.
- Cool and slice: Remove from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 bars to preserve their shape and texture.
Notes
- For crunchier bars, extend baking time by a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer preservation.
- Feel free to swap dried apples with other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to vary flavors.
