Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with the tart sweetness of dried cranberries, these Cranberry Granola Bars are not just a snack; they’re a fun snack or breakfast that satisfies all the sweet cravings!
Why You’ll Love These Bars:
These Cranberry Granola Bars are a delightful blend of chewy oats, crunchy nuts, and tangy cranberries, held together by a mixture of honey or maple syrup, nut butter, and coconut oil. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a versatile snack for any time of day.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Rolled Oats: Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for their hearty texture and ability to hold the bars together.
- Dried Cranberries: Look for unsweetened dried cranberries to avoid added sugars.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or a mix of your favorite nuts add crunch and protein.
- Sweetener: Opt for honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness, adjusting the quantity to suit your taste.
- Nut Butter: Almond butter, peanut butter, or any nut butter of your choice adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil provides moisture and helps solidify the bars.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the bars.
Expert Snacking Tips:
- Mixing the Ingredients: Ensure that the wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to achieve a cohesive mixture that holds together when pressed.
- Pressing into the Pan: Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the mixture firmly into the pan, creating an even layer for uniform bars.
- Chilling Time: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up and set properly, ensuring easy slicing and serving.
Storage and Serving Suggestions:
Once chilled, cut the solidified mixture into bars and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These bars maintain their shape and texture even at room temperature, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack for busy days.
Enjoy them as a midday pick-me-up, post-workout fuel, or a guilt-free dessert alternative.
More Bars on the Blog:
- Homemade Cereal Bars
- Homemade Crunch Bars
- No-Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
- Brownie Cashew Fudge Bars
If you make these Cranberry Granola Bars, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Breakfast Recipes page.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup nuts(almonds, walnuts, or a mix), chopped
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter, or any of your choice)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, nut butter, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a square or rectangular dish lined with parchment paper. Press it down firmly to create a compact and even layer.
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the granola bars are firm.
- Once chilled, lift the parchment paper to easily remove the solidified mixture from the dish. Place it on a cutting board and cut into bars.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
