Chewy Granola Bars With Pecans, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a homemade snack that combines a bit of crunch with a touch of sweetness. These Chewy Granola Bars With Pecans, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips strike the perfect balance, offering a delightful treat that’s ready to fuel your day. Whether you’re packing them for a school lunch, heading out for a hike, or simply enjoying a late afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are a wholesome choice that you can feel good about.

The best part? They’re simple to make and even easier to customize according to your taste preferences. Let’s dive into why you’ll be making these bars time and again!

Why You’ll Keep Making It

These Chewy Granola Bars With Pecans, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips are not just a one-time bake. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your kitchen:

– Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats, pecans, and raisins, these bars offer a good mix of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.
– Versatile Snack: They can be enjoyed as a breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or even a post-workout treat.
– Easy to Customize: The base recipe is a canvas for your creativity. Swap in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate.
– Budget-Friendly: Making your own granola bars can save you money compared to store-bought options that often contain additives and preservatives.

What to Buy

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to gather before you start:

• 1 cup oat flour (or 1 cup oats finely ground in a food processor or blender)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Equipment & Tools

Before you begin baking, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• Baking Pan: A 9×9 inch or 8×8 inch pan works best for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: Have a few bowls ready for combining ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture.
• Spatula: Use a spatula for mixing and spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
• Oven: Preheat your oven for the best results.

From Start to Finish: Chewy Granola Bars With Pecans, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get to the fun part—making your Chewy Granola Bars!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your granola bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and makes it easier to cut the bars.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well incorporated.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and creates a nice base for your bars.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

To the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg, honey, unsweetened apple sauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep your granola bars chewy.

Step 7: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the quick oats, dark chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped pecans. Make sure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8: Transfer to the Baking Pan

Pour the granola mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly and press down gently to compact the mixture. This helps the bars hold together after baking.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The granola bars will firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares or rectangles.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! Here are some alternatives you can try:

• Nut Butter: Swap the butter for almond or peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
• Different Nuts: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds.
• Dried Fruit: Substitute raisins with cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates.

Steer Clear of These

To ensure your Chewy Granola Bars With Pecans, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips turn out perfectly, avoid the following:

• Using old or stale oats, as they can affect the flavor and texture.
• Overbaking, which can lead to dry bars instead of chewy ones.
• Skipping the parchment paper, which might make it difficult to remove the bars from the pan.

Storage Pro Tips

To keep your Chewy Granola Bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage, freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to three months.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight for a quick snack the next day.

Reader Questions

Can I make these granola bars vegan?

Yes! You can easily make these bars vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and substituting honey with maple syrup.

What kind of oats should I use?

For this recipe, quick oats work best. They provide the right texture and consistency. However, if you prefer a heartier bar, you can use rolled oats, but the texture will be slightly different.

How do I know when my granola bars are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown edge and a firm center. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft right out of the oven.

Can I add protein powder to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, so you may need to adjust the wet ingredients to maintain the right consistency.

Weekend Projects

If you loved making these Chewy Granola Bars With Pecans, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips, you might want to try your hand at these other delightful recipes:

• Banana Bread: A moist and flavorful classic.
• No-Bake Energy Bites: Perfect for a quick energy boost.
• Healthy Muffins: Versatile and delicious breakfast treats.
• Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: A timeless favorite that never gets old.

Bring It Home

Making your own Chewy Granola Bars With Pecans, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips is not just rewarding; it’s a fun activity that brings the whole family together. Enjoy the process of measuring, mixing, and baking, and then savor the delicious rewards. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you’ll have a wholesome snack that’s perfect for any occasion. So why not give this recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s in your snack. Happy baking!