Pistachio and Cranberry Granola Bars
5/5
Pistachio and Cranberry Granola Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack option that combines the crunchiness of pistachios, the tartness of dried cranberries, and the sweetness of honey or maple syrup. These homemade granola bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and are perfect for a quick and satisfying on-the-go snack.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped pistachios, and dried cranberries. Mix well.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter (or peanut butter), and coconut oil over low heat until melted and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the mixture into bars of your desired size.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
TIPS
- You can customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or dark chocolate chips.
- For a chewier texture, you can add a few tablespoons of almond milk or other liquid to the wet mixture.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a bit more honey or maple syrup.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure the granola bars hold together well.
- If you want softer granola bars, reduce the baking time slightly.
- Wrap the individual granola bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy portability.
- Enjoy the Pistachio and Cranberry Granola Bars as a quick snack or as part of a balanced breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
NUTRITION VALUE
The nutrition value of the Pistachio and Cranberry Granola Bars will depend on the specific ingredients used and the portion sizes. Generally, they provide a good amount of fiber, healthy fats from the nuts, and natural sweetness from the dried cranberries and honey. They can be a great source of energy and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences and needs.
