Small-Batch Maple Cinnamon Granola Bars
These Small-Batch Maple Cinnamon Granola Bars are a cozy, healthy snack that are easy to make and perfect for on-the-go mornings, offering the comfort of homemade granola without the excess sugar.
Servings: 6 bars
Calories: 180kcal
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups old fashioned oats Use gluten-free oats if necessary
- 0.5 cups chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds) or seeds Select based on preference or dietary needs
- 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon Adjust to taste, 2 teaspoons recommended for stronger flavor
- 0.25 teaspoons salt For flavor enhancement
Wet Ingredients
- 0.33 cups maple syrup For binding and sweetness
- 0.25 cups nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew) Use sunflower seed butter for nut-free version
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or melted butter For texture and binding
- 1 teaspoon vanilla For flavor enhancement
- 0.33 cups dried fruit or mini dark chocolate chips (optional) Add for additional flavor; stir in after baking if using chocolate
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: oats, chopped nuts or seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, warm the maple syrup, nut butter, and coconut oil together until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the lined pan to ensure the bars hold together.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars to prevent them from crumbling.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for a week. Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months. Try varying the nuts, seeds, and mix-ins to customize your bars.