Description

These easy, healthy homemade granola bars are chewy, naturally sweetened with maple syrup and honey, and packed with toasted pecans. They are budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or on-the-go snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups pecan halves, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
Optional: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes to bring out flavor. Remove and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, toasted pecans, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and salt. Toss to combine evenly.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in maple syrup and honey, heating just until combined and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold with a spatula until all oats and nuts are coated. The mixture should look thick and clumpy.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or a measuring cup. Compacting is crucial for texture.
Bake for 20 minutes, until edges are golden brown and the center looks set but slightly soft.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) before cutting to ensure they hold together.
Lift bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 large bars or 16 smaller snack-sized pieces.

Notes

Do not use instant or steel-cut oats; old-fashioned rolled oats are required for the correct texture. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Toasting the pecans enhances flavor significantly. Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 150
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 3
Protein: 6

Keywords: granola bars, maple pecan, healthy snack, homemade granola, meal prep, gluten-free option, vegan option, oat bars