Description

Have you ever thought about making your own granola bars at home? It's simpler than you might think! Our Cranberry Almond Granola Bars are not only delicious but packed full of nutritional goodness. These bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, and luscious honey. Originating from the health-conscious kitchens of America, these granola bars have become a global favorite for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a fulfilling snack. What sets this recipe apart is the homemade touch that makes it special. Not to mention, the ease of preparation and the joy of creating something wholesome for your loved ones.

Ingredients

• To make these delightful granola bars, you'll need:
• For the granola mix:
• - 3 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
• - 1 cup of almonds, coarsely chopped
• - 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, as per your preference
• - 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• - 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• - 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• - A pinch of salt
• For the add-ins:
• - 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
• - 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips (optional)
• If you want to go nut-free, you can replace almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like raisins or apricots in place of cranberries.

Preparation Method

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the oats and chopped almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they start to turn golden. This step enhances the flavor of the oats and almonds, giving your granola bars a delightful crunch.

While the oats and almonds are toasting, you can start preparing the sweet syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Stir this mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low, add the vanilla extract and the pinch of salt, and stir well.

By now, your oats and almonds should be toasted. Remove them from the oven and lower the temperature to 300°F (150°C). Pour the toasted oats and almonds into a large bowl, add the syrup mixture, and stir until everything is well coated. Now it's time to add in the dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips if you're using them.

Line a baking dish with parchment paper and transfer the granola mixture into it. Press down firmly using the back of a spatula or a greased piece of parchment paper. This step is crucial as it ensures the bars hold together well.

Bake the granola mixture in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into bars. This is important as the bars firm up upon cooling.

Tips and Conclusion

These Cranberry Almond Granola Bars are perfect for packing in lunchboxes or for a quick breakfast on the go. You can even serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a more filling snack. To store these bars, wrap them individually in parchment paper and keep them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week.


Creating these Cranberry Almond Granola Bars at home is a joyous and fulfilling experience. Theres something special about making a homemade, nutritious snack filled with the goodness of oats, almonds, and cranberries. Whats more, the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen whilst baking these granola bars is truly unbeatable.
If you enjoyed making these granola bars, you might also like our recipes for Coconut Cashew Energy Balls or Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies. Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family, and continue exploring our site for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes. Happy cooking!