Easy Homemade Cranberry Almond Granola Bars

January 15, 2025

Looking for a snack that’s as satisfying as it is simple? These Easy Homemade Cranberry Almond Granola Bars are packed with chewy, nutty goodness! Perfectly sweet, a little tart, and irresistibly crunchy—let’s whip these up and make snack time your favorite time of day!

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Oh, snack time—let’s make it a party, shall we? Enter these Easy Homemade Cranberry Almond Granola Bars, the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and tart, all rolled into one bite of happiness. Whether you’re in the middle of a busy workday, packing up lunches for the kids, or need a boost before a hike, these bars are here to save the day. What’s even better? They’re completely homemade! That means you can skip those store-bought bars with their hard-to-pronounce ingredients and enjoy a snack made with love and wholesome goodness.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Almond Granola Bars Recipe

So, what makes these granola bars extra special? It’s the trio of cranberries, almonds, and a touch of honey. The cranberries bring a delightful pop of tartness that pairs perfectly with the rich nuttiness of the almonds. And let’s not forget about the oats—they’re like a warm, cozy blanket holding everything together. For just the right amount of sweetness, honey steps in with its natural golden charm. Plus, there’s a pinch of cinnamon sneaking in to add just a whisper of warmth that ties the whole flavor profile together. The result? A granola bar that tastes like it’s giving you a hug with each bite.

To make sure these bars turn out amazing every single time, here’s a little chef’s secret—use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and toast the almonds first! Toasting them enhances their nutty flavor and gives the bars that irresistible crunch. If your mixture feels a bit dry while pressing it into your pan, a quick drizzle of extra honey will solve the problem. Oh, and don’t skimp on compacting the mixture. Press it down nice and firmly; the more packed it is, the better it’ll hold together when you slice it into bars.

I know you’re going to love making these, but eating them is the true joy. They’re endlessly versatile, too! Want a more indulgent twist? Add a handful of dark chocolate chips. Prefer things on the tropical side? Swap the cranberries for dried pineapple and toss in some coconut flakes. These are perfect as a snack, breakfast on-the-go, or even a midnight treat (I won’t judge!). So grab your favorite mix-ins, roll up your sleeves, and start creating your very own version of these delightful granola bars. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you.

Keywords: easy homemade granola bars, cranberry almond snack recipe, best granola bar recipe, healthy snack for work, homemade oat bars with honey, simple granola bar ideas, chewy granola bar recipe

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

•2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
•1 cup sliced almonds
•1 cup dried cranberries
•1/2 cup honey
•1/4 cup brown sugar
•1/4 cup unsalted butter
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easier removal.
2
Spread the rolled oats and sliced almonds onto a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden.
3
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, and unsalted butter.
4
Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and salt.
5
In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats and almonds with the dried cranberries.
6
Pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to coat everything evenly.
7
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it firmly into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set the bars.
9
Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into bars of your desired size.

Nutrition Information

Calories

200 calories per bar

Protein

Carbs

26g

Fat

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

A: Quick oats can be used, but the texture of the granola bars may be softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for the best structure and consistency.

Q: What can I substitute for sliced almonds if I have a nut allergy?

A: You can replace the sliced almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative. These will still provide a nice crunch and a similar texture.

Q: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

A: Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor. Keep in mind that the consistency of the bars might be slightly softer depending on the sweetener used.

Q: How can I prevent the granola bars from crumbling when cutting?

A: Make sure to press the mixture very firmly into the pan before baking. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing, as cutting them while warm can cause them to fall apart.

Q: How long will these granola bars stay fresh, and how should they be stored?

A: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.

Q: Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips or seeds?

A: Absolutely! You can mix in up to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chia seeds after combining the honey mixture with the dry ingredients. Be mindful not to overload the mixture, as this can affect the bars' ability to hold together.

Q: What should I do if my honey mixture hardens too quickly when mixing?

A: If the honey mixture hardens, it likely cooled too much before being mixed with the dry ingredients. To fix this, gently reheat the mixture on low heat until it becomes pourable again, then quickly combine it with the oats and almonds.

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