Cranberry Almond Granola Bars (vegan)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Cranberry Almond Granola Bars
Cranberry Almond Granola Bars are a delightful blend of chewy and crunchy textures, making them a perfect snack for any time of day. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, and dried cranberries, these bars are not only delicious but also nutritious. The best part? They are entirely vegan, so you can enjoy them guilt-free, whether you're a full-time vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet.
Historically, granola bars emerged in the 1960s as a convenient, health-conscious snack, often associated with the granola craze that swept through the health food movement. These bars have evolved over the years, and today, they can be found in various flavors and styles. Our vegan version pays homage to the original concept while embracing modern dietary preferences. Plus, with a touch of maple syrup and almond butter, they are sweet enough to satisfy your cravings without any refined sugars.
Making these granola bars at home is not only simple but also allows you to customize them to your liking. Feel free to swap out the almonds for your favorite nuts or add in some seeds for an extra crunch. Just remember, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always toss in a few chocolate chips—because who says healthy snacks can’t be a little indulgent? After all, life is all about balance, right?
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on making these delicious, chewy bars. They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or even a post-workout treat. Just be warned: once you start munching on these, you might find it hard to stop!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 0.5 cups almond butter
- 0.5 cups maple syrup
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 0.5 cups sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 0.5 cups of sliced almonds, and 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. This mixture will provide a hearty base for your granola bars.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 0.5 cups of almond butter, 0.5 cups of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 0.25 teaspoons of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and add 1 cup of dried cranberries. Use a spatula to mix everything together until the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands to ensure the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as they can become too hard.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the bars firm up.
- Using the parchment overhang, lift the granola slab out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into 12 bars.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Enjoy them as a quick snack or a healthy breakfast option.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Carbs g: 24
- Protein g: 5
- Fat g: 8
- Sugar g: 6
