John Washington
Exquisitely Baked Cranberry-Almond Granola Bars: A Nutritious and Delicious Snack
Embark on a culinary journey with our Exquisitely Baked Cranberry-Almond Granola Bars—a delightful medley of textures and flavors that have the power to transform any moment into a blissful occasion. Inspired by the wholesome traditions of wholesome, homemade snacks, these bars combine the tartness of cranberries with the rich, nutty flavors of almonds and oats. Whether you’re craving a nutritious breakfast on the go or a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up, these granola bars are the ideal choice.
Our granola bar recipe draws on the deep-rooted tradition of crafting snacks that are both healthy and indulgent. Infused with the pure sweetness of honey and spicy undertones of cinnamon, each bite is a harmonious blend of chewy and crunchy textures. Perfect for school lunches, hiking trips, or a post-workout snack, these bars strike the perfect balance between tastiness and nutrition.
Ingredients
– 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1 cup slivered almonds
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease with non-stick spray.
2. Toast the Dry Ingredients: Spread the rolled oats and slivered almonds on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. This enhances their flavor and gives a delightful crunch to your granola bars.
3. Create the Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well-blended.
4. Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats and almonds with the dried cranberries. Pour the syrup over the mixture. Use a spatula to mix until every ingredient is well-coated.
5. Press into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to firmly press the mixture into an even layer. This helps bind the ingredients together to form solid bars.
6. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this may take an hour or more. For a chewier texture, opt for the shorter baking time, while a longer baking time will render a crunchier bar.
7. Cut and Serve: Once fully cooled, lift the granola slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your preferred size.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
– Cooking Tip: If you have nut allergies, feel free to substitute almonds with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. For a gluten-free version, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
– Serving Suggestion: Serve these bars with a scoop of Greek yogurt or alongside fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of herbal tea or a frothy cappuccino.
– Storage Idea: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for extended freshness.
These Exquisitely Baked Cranberry-Almond Granola Bars offer a delightful combination of nourishment and indulgence, perfect for any time you seek a wholesome snack with irresistible flavor.
