Imagine biting into a homemade granola bar that's not just healthy, but absolutely irresistible - packed with the perfect balance of sweet chocolate chips, tangy cranberries, and wholesome oats. These Cranberry Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are about to become your new obsession, offering a delicious solution for quick breakfasts, energizing snacks, and guilt-free treats that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) together for 30-45 seconds until smooth and easily mixable.
- Add vanilla extract and salt to the warm nut butter mixture, stirring until completely combined.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well, ensuring all oats are coated and ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula or clean hands to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is slightly firm.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block of granola out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- • Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better binding • Press the mixture VERY firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together • For extra crunch, lightly toast your oats in the oven for 5-7 minutes before mixing • Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling • Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for unique flavor profiles • Line your pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean cutting • Store in an airtight container with a small piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking • For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
