Description
These Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars are a wholesome, no-bake snack perfect for a quick energy boost. Made with oats, puffed rice cereal, dried apples, and a touch of cinnamon, they combine natural sweetness with a satisfying crunch. Easy to prepare and customizable with nuts or seeds, these bars make a nutritious treat ideal for school lunches or on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup puffed rice cereal
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dried apples, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- â…“ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to make removal of the bars easy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, puffed rice cereal, ground cinnamon, salt, chopped dried apples, and nuts if using. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Heat wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and butter or coconut oil. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble, ensuring the sugar dissolves and blends smoothly.
- Add vanilla extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with warm flavor.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly for compact bars.
- Chill and set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours or until the granola bars are firm and set fully.
- Cut and serve: Once firm, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper, place on a cutting board, and cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit nuts or substitute with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
- To add a touch of indulgence, fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips after the mixture cools slightly but before pressing into the pan.
- These bars keep well refrigerated for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.
