Indulge in a healthy yet delectable treat with these homemade pecan granola bars. They are the perfect snack for those on the go; packed with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, the earthiness of oats, and the sweetness of maple syrup. These bars are not only easy to prepare, but also a great source of fiber and protein.
Photos of Pecan Granola Bars Recipe
The recipe calls for homemade pecan butter. While you may find pre-prepared pecan butter at some specialty or health food stores, it's not a staple in most households. If you have difficulty finding it, simply make your own by blending roasted pecans until they reach a creamy, butter-like consistency. Also, make sure to opt for natural, pure maple syrup as the artificial ones are loaded with sugars and lack the same rich flavor.
Indispensable Ingredients for Pecan Granola Bars
Pecan halves: These will give your bars a rich, nutty flavor, and a delightful crunch.
Quick-cooking oats: They are the base of your granola bars, providing texture and many health benefits.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and sweetness to the bars.
Fine sea salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pecan butter: This gives your bars a creamy texture and intensified pecan flavor. If you can’t find it in stores, you can easily make your own at home.
Maple syrup: This is the sweetener for your bars, adding a hint of maple flavor.
Vanilla extract: This adds depth of flavor and a subtle sweet aroma to the bars.
One reader, Kirsti Mercier says:
These pecan granola bars are a game-changer! The combination of pecans, oats, and maple syrup creates a delightful, crunchy texture with a hint of sweetness. They're perfect for a quick, healthy snack on the go. I love how easy they are to make and how delicious they taste!
Essential Techniques for Making Pecan Granola Bars Recipe
How to toast pecans: In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 4 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are nice and fragrant. Transfer them to a cutting board to cool. Set aside 16 of the prettiest pecan halves for garnish, then chop the rest. Set aside.
How to mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, and salt, and stir to blend. In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, measure out 1 cup nut butter. Top with ½ cup maple syrup, followed by the vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a big spoon to mix them together until the two are evenly combined and no dry oats remain. Add the chopped pecans and stir until they are evenly dispersed.
How to pack the mixture: Transfer the mixture to the prepared square baker. Use a spoon to arrange the mixture fairly evenly in the baker. Cover the bottom of a flat, round surface (like a short, sturdy drinking glass) with a strip of parchment paper and pack the mixture down as firmly and evenly as possible.
How to slice the bars: When ready to slice, lift the bars out of the baker by grabbing both ends of the parchment paper. Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the mixture into 4 even rows and 4 even columns.
How To Make Pecan Granola Bars
For these granola bars, oats are mixed with pecans, nut butter, and cinnamon for a delicious treat that you can have as a snack or breakfast.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¼cupspecan halves
- 2cupsquick-cooking oats,or old-fashioned oats, pulsed briefly in a food processor or blender
- 1tspcinnamon,ground
- ½tspfine sea salt,if using regular table salt or salted nut butter, scale back a bit
- 1cuphomemade pecan butter,or creamy almond butter or peanut butter
- ½cupmaple syrup,or honey
- 1½tspvanilla extract
Instructions
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Line a 9-inch square baker with one strip of parchment paper, cut to fit neatly across the base.
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 4 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are nice and fragrant.
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Transfer them to a cutting board to cool. Set aside 16 of the prettiest pecan halves for garnish, then chop the rest. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, and salt, and stir to blend. Set aside.
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In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, measure out 1 cup nut butter.
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Top with ½ cup maple syrup, followed by the vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
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Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a big spoon to mix them together until the two are evenly combined and no dry oats remain. Add the chopped pecans and stir until they are evenly dispersed.
-
Transfer the mixture to the prepared square baker. Use a spoon to arrange the mixture fairly evenly in the baker.
-
Cover the bottom of a flat, round surface (like a short, sturdy drinking glass) with a strip of parchment paper and pack the mixture down as firmly and evenly as possible.
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Press the reserved pecan halves into the surface to create 4 even rows and 4 even columns.
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Cover the baker and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight. This gives the oats time to absorb moisture so the granola bars can set. When ready to slice, lift the bars out of the baker by grabbing both ends of the parchment paper.
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Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the mixture into 4 even rows and 4 even columns.
Recipe Notes
The drier the mixture, the more firm the bars will be, so stir in extra oats if the mixture seems wet. Conversely, if you used a super thick nut butter, you might need to drizzle in another tablespoon of honey to help it all stick together.
Nutrition
- Calories: 258.15kcal
- Fat: 18.43g
- Saturated Fat: 8.00g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.56g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.60g
- Carbohydrates: 20.78g
- Fiber: 2.90g
- Sugar: 6.32g
- Protein: 4.13g
- Cholesterol: 30.50mg
- Sodium: 75.85mg
- Calcium: 31.11mg
- Potassium: 140.94mg
- Iron: 1.14mg
- Vitamin A: 97.30µg
- Vitamin C: 0.09mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Pecan Granola Bars
Toasting the pecans before incorporating them into the granola bars not only enhances their flavor but also gives them a crunchier texture. Be sure to keep a close eye on them while toasting, as they can easily burn. Also, when pressing the mixture into the baker, apply firm and even pressure. This will ensure that the bars hold together well after they've set in the refrigerator.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pecan Granola Bars
Prep ahead: Prepare the pecan butter and toast the pecans in advance to save time during the actual assembly of the granola bars.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and efficiently mix the ingredients for the granola bars, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.
Chill efficiently: Place the granola bar mixture in the freezer for a shorter amount of time to speed up the setting process, allowing you to enjoy the bars sooner.
Organize ingredients: Prior to starting the recipe, gather and organize all the necessary ingredients and tools to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the granola bars are setting in the refrigerator, use that time to clean up the kitchen and prepare other meals or snacks for the day.
Substitute Ingredients For Pecan Granola Bars Recipe
pecan halves - Substitute with walnut halves: Walnuts have a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great substitute for pecans in granola bars.
quick-cooking oats - Substitute with rolled oats: Rolled oats can be used as a substitute for quick-cooking oats, providing a heartier texture to the granola bars.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can be used as a substitute for cinnamon, adding a warm, slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the granola bars.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for fine sea salt, providing a similar level of saltiness to the granola bars.
homemade pecan butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for pecan butter, offering a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the granola bars.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, providing a natural sweetness and moisture to the granola bars.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, adding a hint of almond flavor to the granola bars.
How to Beautifully Present Pecan Granola Bars
Elevate the plating: When presenting the pecan granola bars, ensure that the plating is elegant and refined. Use a clean, white plate to showcase the bars and create a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the plate with delicate, edible flowers. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use a fine drizzle of maple syrup on the plate to create an artistic and visually stunning presentation. The drizzle should be precise and purposeful, adding a touch of elegance to the dish.
Utilize geometric placement: Arrange the pecan granola bars in a geometric pattern on the plate, creating a visually striking presentation that showcases attention to detail and precision.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Before serving, lightly dust the plate with a fine, even layer of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Accompany with a quenelle of homemade whipped cream: Serve the pecan granola bars with a quenelle of homemade whipped cream on the side, adding a luxurious element to the presentation and complementing the flavors of the dish.
Incorporate a tempered chocolate garnish: Create a visually stunning presentation by incorporating a delicate, tempered chocolate garnish on the plate, adding a touch of artistry and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating approach, allowing the natural beauty of the pecan granola bars to take center stage while maintaining a sense of elegance and refinement in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Pecan Granola Bars
- Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is typically made of cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick materials.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is a durable board on which food is placed for cutting and chopping. It provides a stable surface and helps protect countertops and knives.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing ingredients. It can be made of various materials such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
- Liquid measuring cup: A liquid measuring cup is a container with a spout used to measure liquid ingredients accurately. It usually has markings for various volume measurements.
- Baker: A baker, such as a square baker, is a type of baking dish used for making and baking a variety of dishes, including granola bars, casseroles, and desserts.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is a non-stick paper used in baking and cooking to line pans, prevent sticking, and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Flat, round surface: A flat, round surface, such as a short, sturdy drinking glass, can be used to press and pack down the granola bar mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Storing and Freezing Pecan Granola Bars Properly
- For the best texture and flavor, store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To keep the bars fresh for longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming too soft or sticky.
- If you want to freeze the granola bars, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen granola bars, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until they reach your desired texture and temperature.
- For a quick and easy grab-and-go snack, you can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper or plastic wrap before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes it easy to take a single bar with you on the go, without having to worry about them sticking together or falling apart.
How To Reheat Leftover Pecan Granola Bars
The best way to reheat leftover pecan granola bars is to wrap them individually in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This method helps to restore their crispiness and brings out the nutty aroma of the pecans.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Place the granola bars on the toaster oven tray and heat them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the granola bars in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the granola bars to become soggy or too soft.
For a quick and easy on-the-go option, you can enjoy the leftover pecan granola bars at room temperature. They will still have a delightful texture and flavor, making them a perfect snack for busy days or outdoor activities.
If you want to refresh the flavor of the leftover granola bars, try crumbling them over yogurt, ice cream, or fresh fruit. This creates a delicious and satisfying breakfast or dessert option that breathes new life into your leftover treats.
Interesting Trivia About Pecan Granola Bars
The pecan granola bars recipe is a great source of energy and nutrients, making it a perfect snack for a quick boost during the day. Pecans are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, while oats provide a good source of fiber and essential nutrients. This recipe can be easily customized by adding in other ingredients such as dried fruits or chocolate chips to suit individual preferences.
Is Making Pecan Granola Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this pecan granola bars recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Pecans and maple syrup can be pricey, but the homemade granola bars can serve as a nutritious and satisfying snack for a household. Considering the nutritional value and the fact that the bars can be made in bulk, the recipe can be cost-effective in the long run. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Are Pecan Granola Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pecan granola bars recipe is a healthier alternative to store-bought granola bars, as it uses whole ingredients like pecans, oats, and maple syrup. Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, while oats provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber. The recipe also avoids processed sugars by using maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of maple syrup to lower the overall sugar content. You can replace some of the maple syrup with mashed ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness and added nutrients.
- Incorporate more variety in the nuts and seeds used, such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, to provide a wider range of nutrients and healthy fats.
- Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for additional flavor, texture, and micronutrients. Be mindful of portion sizes, as dried fruits can be high in sugar.
- Experiment with adding superfood ingredients like chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or hemp seeds to boost the nutritional value further.
- Consider using a combination of rolled oats and quick-cooking oats for a more varied texture and slower release of energy.
Editor's Opinion on This Pecan Granola Bars Recipe
The pecan granola bars recipe is a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients and rich flavors. The use of pecan butter and maple syrup adds a delightful nuttiness and natural sweetness, while the toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch. The method of pressing the mixture firmly into the baker ensures a perfect, chewy texture. The bars are a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition, making them a delightful treat for any time of day.
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Why trust this Pecan Granola Bars Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of pecans, oats, and maple syrup, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of homemade pecan butter adds a rich and nutty essence, while the inclusion of cinnamon and vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste. The careful instructions ensure that the granola bars are easy to prepare and yield satisfying results. With the focus on wholesome ingredients and meticulous preparation, users can trust this recipe to deliver a delightful and nutritious snack that's perfect for any occasion.
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