Cranberry Granola Bars

Cranberry Granola Bars Recipe - Vegan Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24 bars |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Cranberry granola bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed on the go or as a quick breakfast option. Packed with oats, dried cranberries, and a touch of sweetness, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and satisfying.

History

Granola bars have been a popular snack option for many years, providing a convenient and portable way to enjoy a healthy and delicious treat. The addition of cranberries to the traditional granola bar recipe adds a tart and sweet flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of honey
2 tbsp + 2 tsp of brown sugar
1 tbsp + 1 tsp of oil
1.5 cups of oats
1.25 cups of toasted rice cereal
1.25 cups of dried cranberries

How to prepare

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, and oil. Heat over low heat until well mixed.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, and cranberries. Add the honey mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into an 8” x 8” baking pan.
4. Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 15 minutes. Then, press the mixture firmly once more into the bottom of the pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Allow the mixture to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least one hour for easier cutting. Cut into 4x6 bars to make a total of 24 bars.

Variations

Add in your favorite nuts or seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Swap out the dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile.

Notes

Cook Time:
Serves: 24

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking pan to ensure that the bars hold together well.

- Refrigerating the bars before cutting will make them easier to slice into individual servings.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding in your favorite nuts or seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cranberry granola bars as a quick breakfast option, a midday snack, or a post-workout treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the granola bars in the oven helps to bind the ingredients together and create a crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out the dried cranberries for your favorite dried fruit or adding in nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Make Ahead Tips

These cranberry granola bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these cranberry granola bars on a platter with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these cranberry granola bars with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea for a satisfying snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store these cranberry granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cranberry granola bars contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cranberry granola bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cranberry granola bars contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cranberry granola bars contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry granola bars are a good source of fiber, iron, and antioxidants from the dried cranberries.

Alergens

This recipe contains oats, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Cranberry granola bars are a nutritious and delicious snack option that provides a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cranberry granola bars are a delicious and nutritious snack option that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Packed with oats, dried cranberries, and a touch of sweetness, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your snack rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Cranberry Granola Bars. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was sifting through an old cookbook that had been passed down from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes fell upon a handwritten note tucked between the folds of the book. It was a recipe for Cranberry Granola Bars, written in delicate cursive script.

The recipe seemed simple enough, with just a handful of ingredients: oats, honey, cranberries, and a few nuts and seeds for added crunch. But what intrigued me the most was the story behind the recipe. The note mentioned that it had been passed down from a dear friend who had learned to make these bars during her travels in the mountains of Vermont.

I could almost picture the scene - a cozy cabin nestled among the trees, the scent of freshly baked granola bars wafting through the air. I knew that I had to try making them myself.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following the instructions carefully. As the bars baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the room, bringing back memories of my own childhood spent baking with my grandmother. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the timer finally chimed, I pulled the pan of granola bars out of the oven and let them cool before cutting them into squares. I took a bite, savoring the chewy texture and the burst of tartness from the cranberries. They were delicious - a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

I shared the bars with my family, who all raved about how tasty they were. My husband even suggested that I start selling them at the local farmers' market. But for me, the real joy came from knowing that I had successfully recreated a recipe with such a rich history.

I couldn't help but think about the friend who had originally shared the recipe with my grandmother. I imagined her sitting by the fire, surrounded by friends and loved ones, passing around a plate of homemade granola bars. It was moments like these that made cooking so special to me - the ability to connect with others through food and shared experiences.

As the years passed, I continued to make Cranberry Granola Bars whenever I wanted to feel close to my grandmother and her friend. The recipe became a staple in our household, a comforting treat that always brought a smile to our faces.

I often wonder about the friend who first introduced this recipe to my family. I like to think that she is still out there, baking up a batch of granola bars in her own kitchen, passing on the tradition to her own loved ones. And perhaps, one day, our paths will cross, and we will have the chance to share stories and recipes over a plate of Cranberry Granola Bars.

But until then, I will continue to cherish the memories and the moments that this recipe has brought into my life. And every time I bake a batch of these delicious bars, I will be reminded of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together, and to create lasting memories that will be passed down for generations to come.