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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup unsalted almonds, chopped - 1 cup dried apples, diced - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) I love using these ingredients for my apple cinnamon granola bars. Each one adds flavor and texture. The rolled oats give a hearty base. They also provide fiber, making these bars filling. Almonds add a nice crunch and healthy fats. You can swap them for any nut you like. The dried apples bring sweetness and a chewy bite. Honey or maple syrup acts as a binder and sweetener. Almond butter gives a creamy touch. You can use any nut butter you love. Ground cinnamon adds that warm, cozy flavor. Vanilla extract makes everything taste richer. Finally, salt balances all the sweetness. If you want a bit of fun, add mini chocolate chips. They melt slightly, making each bite extra special. This combination makes these bars a simple and tasty snack. You can find the full recipe to make your own delicious apple cinnamon granola bars. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) - Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper Start by preheating your oven. This step is key for even baking. I love using parchment paper because it helps the bars come out easily. Just leave some paper hanging over the sides. - Combine rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried apples, and cinnamon In a big bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried apples, and cinnamon. Make sure to stir it well. This helps blend all the flavors together. The oats provide texture, while the apples add sweetness. - Heat honey (or maple syrup) with almond butter - Stir in vanilla extract and salt Next, take a small pot. Heat the honey or maple syrup with the almond butter. Stir it until it’s smooth. Then, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla and salt. This mixture binds everything together. - Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly Now, pour your warm wet mix into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything well. You want every oat and almond to get coated. This helps the bars stick together. - Transfer the mixture to the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes Spread the mixture into your prepared pan. Press it down firmly with a spatula. This helps the bars hold their shape. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges look golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. - Allow to cool, then cut into bars or squares Once baked, take the pan out of the oven. Let it cool completely. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Place them on a cutting board and cut them into squares or bars. Enjoy your homemade treat! You can find the full recipe above for more details on the ingredients and prep time. To make the best apple cinnamon granola bars, start with fresh ingredients. Fresh oats and nuts give great flavor and texture. You can also adjust the sweetness. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey or maple syrup. These bars pair well with yogurt or fresh fruit. You can also drizzle honey on top for extra sweetness. This makes a tasty treat that is fun to eat and share. Store your granola bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Freezing helps maintain their flavor and texture. Enjoy your homemade apple cinnamon granola bars anytime! {{image_4}} You can make these bars nut-free with a simple swap. Use sun butter instead of almond butter. Sun butter tastes great and adds a nice texture. It’s made from sunflower seeds, so it’s safe for those with nut allergies. You won’t lose any flavor, and your bars will still be delicious. Want to change up the flavor? You can add other spices. Nutmeg or ginger can give your bars a warm kick. Just a pinch goes a long way. You can also mix in different fruits. Raisins or cranberries are great choices. They add sweetness and chewiness to each bite. For extra nutrition, consider adding chia seeds or flaxseeds. They boost fiber and healthy fats. You can also play with your chocolate choices. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even yogurt-covered options add unique flavors. Dried fruits like apricots or bananas can also elevate your bars. Get creative and enjoy making these fun snacks! To keep your apple cinnamon granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate the bars. This will help maintain their flavor and texture. To freeze your granola bars, wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you want to enjoy a bar, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also microwave it for a few seconds for a warm treat. This method keeps the texture nice and chewy. When stored properly, your apple cinnamon granola bars can last about a week at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can stay fresh for two weeks. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating, especially if they have been stored for a while. To make your granola bars chewier, you can increase the wet ingredients. Adding a bit more honey or almond butter helps. You can also reduce the baking time. This keeps the bars soft instead of hard. You can use quick oats, but they change the texture. Rolled oats are chewier and hold together better. Quick oats will make the bars softer and more crumbly. If you like a heartier bite, stick with rolled oats. Yes, these granola bars can be gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free oats. Also, check that other ingredients, like almond butter, are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy them. Absolutely! You can add many toppings or mix-ins. Try walnuts for a crunch or dried cranberries for sweetness. You can also swap the mini chocolate chips for white chocolate or coconut flakes. Mix and match to find your favorite flavors! You can easily make delicious granola bars with just a few simple steps. We went through the required ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even some helpful tips. You can change the flavors and ingredients to fit your taste. Store them well to keep them fresh for longer. Enjoy these healthy snacks that are fun to make and eat! Making granola bars is a great way to experiment in the kitchen. Now, get baking and create your own tasty treats!

Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars! These easy-to-make snacks combine rolled oats, almonds, dried apples, and a hint of cinnamon, with an option to add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Perfect for a healthy on-the-go treat, these granola bars are simple to prepare and full of delightful crunch. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring the joy of wholesome snacking to your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup unsalted almonds, chopped

1 cup dried apples, diced

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to facilitate easier removal of the bars later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, diced dried apples, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to ensure that each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

      In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Once combined, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt until well blended.

        Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that each piece of dry ingredient is coated with the sticky mixture for optimal flavor.

          If you choose to include them, fold in the mini chocolate chips for a delightful added sweetness that complements the flavors of apple and cinnamon.

            Transfer the complete granola mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. Create an even layer so that the bars cook uniformly during baking.

              Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the granola bars turn a lovely golden brown and the center feels set. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

                Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the granola mixture to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the mixture out and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into bars or squares according to your preference.

                  Store your freshly made granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or place them in the freezer for longer-lasting freshness.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: For a fun and portable snack, individually wrap each granola bar in parchment paper, tying it with a piece of twine if desired. Alternatively, stack them on a beautiful serving plate and drizzle a bit of honey over the top to enhance their visual appeal and invite guests to indulge!