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These No-Bake Maple Pecan Granola Bars are soft, chewy, and filled with cozy maple flavor and buttery pecans. Made with simple pantry staples and no oven required, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go, afternoon snacks, or a naturally sweet treat that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional add-ins:
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or chopped dates
Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
Tips & Variations
- Deeper flavor: Lightly toast the pecans before chopping for a richer, nuttier taste.
- Vegan-friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan when using maple syrup.
- Extra-firm bars: Press the mixture firmly into the pan and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of maple extract for stronger maple notes.
- Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
No-Bake Maple Pecan Granola Bars
Description
These no-bake maple pecan granola bars combine the rich flavors of maple syrup and crunchy pecans, creating a satisfying treat that’s both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for on-the-go snacking!
Ingredients
No-Bake Maple Pecan Granola Bars Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
-
Gather all your ingredients
Start by measuring out your rolled oats, pecans, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.If you want a little crunch, consider toasting the pecans lightly before chopping them.
Mixing the Base
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Combine wet ingredients
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup and almond butter. Stir until melted and well mixed, creating a luscious, gooey base that will hold everything together.Be patient and stir gently to avoid burning. This step is where the magic begins! -
Mix in dry ingredients
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the oats are thoroughly mixed in with the sticky base.Don’t be shy here—use a sturdy spatula to really work it together.
Shaping the Bars
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Transfer to a baking dish
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Pour the granola mixture into the dish and press it firmly with the back of a spatula to create an even layer.Pressing firmly is key; this will help the bars hold their shape when cut.
Setting the Bars
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Chill in the fridge
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This chilling time is essential for the bars to set properly.If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes instead.
Cutting and Storing
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Slice into bars
Once set, lift the granola mixture out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars of your desired size.A sharp knife works best; you can also use a serrated knife for cleaner edges. -
Store properly
Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or at room temperature for about 3 days.If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them individually wrapped!
Note
- For optimal texture, use rolled oats instead of quick oats; they provide a heartier bite.
- Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor before mixing them into the bars.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the maple syrup by 1-2 tablespoons, but be mindful of the moisture content.
- Experiment with different nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds, to customize the flavor and nutrition.
- For a touch of chocolate, consider folding in dark chocolate chips after the mixture has cooled slightly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together once cut.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- To make them more portable, individually wrap the bars in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- If you're looking for a gluten-free option, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
granola bars, no-bake, maple, pecan, healthy snacks