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Crunchy Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Granola Bars

crunchy cranberry pumpkin seed granola bars - featured image
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A balanced, wholesome granola bar recipe featuring toasted oats, roasted pumpkin seeds, and tart dried cranberries. These bars are easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and offer a satisfying crunch without being overly sweet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (270g) Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
  • 1 cup (150g) Raw Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
  • 1 cup (120g) Dried Cranberries
  • ½ cup (120ml) Real Maple Syrup
  • ½ cup (128g) Natural Almond Butter
  • ¼ cup (28g) Ground Flaxseed
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • Optional: ½ cup (85g) Dark Chocolate Chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly grease the parchment.
  2. Toast pumpkin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they pop and smell nutty. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In the same skillet, toast the oats for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Add to the bowl with the pumpkin seeds and ground flaxseed.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Heat gently, stirring constantly, until smooth and pourable (do not boil).
  5. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir until evenly coated. Fold in dried cranberries and optional chocolate chips.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly and compact tightly using the bottom of a heavy measuring cup or glass.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center feels firm but slightly soft.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour) to allow them to set. Do not cut while warm.
  9. Lift the slab out using the parchment overhang and slice into bars or squares.

Notes

Do not use quick oats as they will turn to mush. Toasting the seeds and oats enhances flavor significantly. Pressing the mixture firmly is crucial to prevent crumbling. Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, pumpkin seed bars, cranberry granola, healthy snacks, meal prep, gluten-free option, vegan snack, oat bars

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/crunchy-cranberry-pumpkin-seed-granola-bars-best-easy-recipe/