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In a world full of convenience foods and quick snacks, the appeal of homemade treats remains undeniable. Crafting your own snacks allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more satisfying option that caters to your personal tastes. One such delightful recipe that embodies this homemade ethos is Crispy Apple Cinnamon Granola Snack Bars. These bars not only provide a delicious crunch but also offer a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that make them an ideal choice for breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout snack.

Apple Granola Snack Bars

Discover the joy of homemade snacking with these Crispy Apple Cinnamon Granola Snack Bars. This easy-to-follow recipe combines wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, dried apples, and honey for a deliciously crunchy and nutritious treat. Perfect for breakfast, a midday boost, or a post-workout snack, these bars are customizable and can be made in bulk. Learn how to create these delightful bars and enjoy a healthier snacking option anytime.

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup unsalted nuts (such as walnuts or almonds), coarsely chopped

1 cup dried apples, chopped into small pieces

1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup nut butter (peanut butter or almond butter)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift the bars out later.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, chopped dried apples, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, nut butter, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

        Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients. Carefully fold and stir everything together until the dry ingredients are fully coated and uniformly mixed. If you prefer a sweeter bar, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips at this stage.

          Transfer to Baking Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Utilize a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly down into the pan, ensuring it's even, compact, and densely packed.

            Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden and the center to firm up.

              Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola slab out and transfer it onto a cutting board. Cut into bars or squares of your preferred size.

                Store: Store your crispy granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For extended freshness, keep them in the refrigerator.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the granola bars on a decorative platter or wrap them individually in parchment paper, tied with twine for a charming gift or snack presentation. Enjoy as a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack on the go!