Maple Pecan Granola Bars
These granola bars are a delicious and healthy snack that are perfect for on-the-go. They're made with a combination of nuts, coconut, maple syrup, and spices. They're also gluten-free and vegan, making them a great option for people with dietary restrictions.
I first developed this recipe for granola bars when I was looking for a healthy and portable snack to take with me on my hiking and camping trips. I wanted something that was easy to make, didn't require any refrigeration, and would provide me with sustained energy. After a few experiments, I came up with this recipe for maple pecan granola bars. They're the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and chewy, and they're packed with nutrients to keep me going all day long.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 12
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse the mixed nuts until finely chopped.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, coconut flakes, almond flour, shredded coconut, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix well.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Why It Works
- The combination of nuts, coconut, and maple syrup provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which will help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- The addition of spices, such as cinnamon and sea salt, adds flavor and complexity to the bars.
- Baking the bars at a low temperature helps to ensure that they are evenly cooked and that the nuts and coconut don't burn.