• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ahead of Thyme logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Food Blogger Business School
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Snacks » Almond Cranberry Granola Bars

    Almond Cranberry Granola Bars

    18 Comments

    2K Shares
    Pin2K
    Yum113
    Share
    Tweet16
    More
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    If you’ve ever wanted to make granola bars from scratch, this recipe is exactly what you need. These almond cranberry granola bars are beginner friendly and yield a delicious batch every time! In only ten minutes, you’ll have these yummy granola bars ready to bake in the oven.

    These chewy granola bars made contain real dried fruit, rolled oats, and far less processed sugar than their store-bought counterparts. They make a healthy gluten-free back to school snack to add to your kid's school lunchbox, are delicious as an after school or workout snack, or served as a tasty dessert alternative.

    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com

    Why You'll Love these Homemade Granola Bars

    • They’re super convenient! Whether it’s summer and the kids are begging for a snack every hour, or school’s in session and you want something nutritious to send along in their lunchbox, there’s no problem these homemade granola bars can’t solve quickly. Once they’re made, you can grab one to go on any adventure.
    • Easier to make than you think. Granola bars might seem so complicated to make but let me fill you in on a secret. They are actually pretty easy. Once you have all your ingredients gathered together, you basically combine everything together and spread them onto a baking dish. Plus, you can make a big batch or two at once because these granola bars are freezer-friendly too.
    • They’re full of sweetness. There are different kinds of sweet-tooth cravings and this satisfies two of them at once! The fruity sweetness from the dried cranberries and chocolatey decadence of the chocolate chips in these easy granola bars make them a fantastic option for snacks between meals or after lunch when you need to satisfy a quick craving.
    • A healthy alternative to other store-bought bars. The difference between these and store-bought versions? You know exactly what’s in them and you can customize the recipe to your family’s needs. You can swap out ingredients to fit dietary restrictions and keep an eye on the sugar levels without having to interpret a nutrition label.
    • Serve them whenever you want. Almond cranberry granola bars are the perfect addition to your kids' lunch boxes — but they are also the perfect snack for work or for the on-the-go lifestyle. When I am in a rush in the morning, I can just grab one for the road and head out the door. I love that they are gluten-free, vegetarian, and healthy. I don't have to worry about all the excess sugar that those boxed granola bars have. Which means I can feel less guilty about the few chocolate chips that are thrown in there!
    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredient Notes

    To make these easy Almond Cranberry Chocolate Granola Bars, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

    • rolled oats - while oats themselves don’t necessarily contain gluten, they’re often processed at factories (sometimes even on the same machinery) as gluten-containing wheat products. If gluten is a concern for you, make sure you use certified gluten free rolled oats.
    • almonds - feel free to use sliced almonds, chopped almonds, slivered almonds, or even whole almonds.
    • dried cranberries - not crazy about cranberries? That’s okay! You can easily swap the dried cranberries out for dried cherries, dried blueberries, or other similarly-textured dried fruits, or just
    • peanut butter - we used smooth peanut butter for the texture but you can substitute for chunky peanut butter but note that you will have little bits of peanuts in the bars. The peanut butter can also be substituted for smooth almond butter for a more Paleo-friendly granola bar.
    • chocolate chips - I like to use mini chocolate chips in here but feel free to use the regular size. If you are not a fan of chocolate, just leave these out.
    • maple syrup - or substitute with honey if you are not following a vegan diet.
    • butter  - try substituting the butter for coconut oil or avocado oil as a vegan alternative.
    • brown sugar
    • vanilla extract
    • salt

    You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and a 9-inch square casserole dish.

    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Almond Cranberry Granola Bars

    1. Make sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves, stirring until smooth.
    2. Combine dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine oats and almonds.
    • These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com
    • These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Add sauce to dry ingredients. Add liquids to oat mixture. Pour the warm liquid mixture over the oats and stir to combine.
    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Cool. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes. This will prevent the chocolate from melting when mixed. If you do not have patience to let the mixture cool, you can add it but be mindful that the chocolate chips will melt into the mixture (still tasting delicious!)
    2. Add cranberries and chocolate. Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips. 
    3. Prepare for baking. Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 9-inch square casserole dish or baking pan. Firmly press the mixture into the pan using a spatula or the back of a glass. You want to make sure that it is packed very tightly.
    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Bake. Bake in a 325F preheated oven for 20-25 minutes (or add more time for crunchier granola bars).
    2. Cool. Cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Then, cut into bars and serve.
    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com

    Storage and Freezing Instructions

    How to Store

    These homemade granola bars will keep for one week at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Stack them up in between layers or parchment paper or individually wrap them in plastic cling wrap first to keep the bars from sticking together. For softer granola bars, store at room temperature. To keep them harder, store in the refrigerator.

    How to Freeze

    You can keep chocolate chip granola bars on hand for months if you individually wrap them in wax paper or parchment paper and freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for 2-3 months. Make sure you cut and wrap them first as they’re nearly impossible to cut after freezing.

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Try different shapes! You aren’t restricted to cutting these into bars. Get little ones even more excited for snack times by using cookie cutters to make different shapes (just try to stick to a similar serving size). Crumble the scraps into a chunky granola for topping parfaits, yogurt bowls and smoothies!
    • Warm them up. Chocolate chip cookies are almost always better after they’ve been warmed, and you can create a similar experience with these chocolate chip granola bars. Heat them up in the microwave on high for ten-second bursts until the chocolate becomes melty and it’s heated to your liking, about 3-5 rounds.
    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Snack Recipes

    • 50 Best Healthy Snacks
    • Pumpkin Pie Granola
    • No Bake Protein Energy Bites
    • Homemade Popcorn
    • Tortilla Strips
    • Gingerbread Granola

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com

    Almond Cranberry Granola Bars


    ★★★★★

    4.9 from 9 reviews

    • Author: Sam | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 50 minutes
    • Yield: 12 granola bars
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. 


    Ingredients

    • ⅓ cup maple syrup (or honey)
    • 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
    • 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
    • ¾ cup sliced almonds
    • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
    • ¼ cup chocolate chips

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
    2. In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves, stirring until smooth.
    3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine oats and almonds. Pour the warm liquid mixture over the oats and stir to combine. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes. This will prevent the chocolate from melting when mixed. If you do not have patience to let the mixture cool, you can add it but be mindful that the chocolate chips will melt into the mixture (still tasting delicious!)
    4. Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips.
    5. Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 9-inch square casserole dish or baking pan. Firmly press the mixture into the pan using a spatula or the back of a glass. You want to make sure that it is packed very tightly.
    6. Bake for 20-25 minutes (or add more time for crunchier granola bars).
    7. Cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Then, cut into bars and serve.

    Notes

    How to store: These homemade granola bars will keep for one week at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Stack them up in between layers or parchment paper or individually wrap them in plastic cling wrap first to keep the bars from sticking together. For softer granola bars, store at room temperature. To keep them harder, store in the refrigerator.

    How to freeze: You can keep chocolate chip granola bars on hand for months if you individually wrap them in wax paper or parchment paper and freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for 2-3 months. Make sure you cut and wrap them first as they’re nearly impossible to cut after freezing.

    Try different shapes: You aren’t restricted to cutting these into bars. Get little ones even more excited for snack times by using cookie cutters to make different shapes (just try to stick to a similar serving size). Crumble the scraps into a chunky granola for topping parfaits, yogurt bowls, and smoothies!

    Warm them up: Chocolate chip cookies are almost always better after they’ve been warmed, and you can create a similar experience with these chocolate chip granola bars. Heat them up in the microwave on high for ten-second bursts until the chocolate becomes melty and it’s heated to your liking, about 3-5 rounds.

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Category: Snacks
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars, chocolate chip granola bars with almonds and cranberries, homemade granola bars, chocolate chip granola bars

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. | aheadofthyme.com
    Almond Cranberry Granola Bars
    2K Shares
    Pin2K
    Yum113
    Share
    Tweet16
    More
    « Creamy Pesto Chicken
    Turkey and Cheese Sliders »

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. sk says

      December 15, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      are these granola bars chewy???

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        December 19, 2021 at 9:05 am

        Yes, they are!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Quick and easy recipes for the everyday home cook, using fresh, seasonal and wholesome ingredients -- from healthy meals to take-out to comfort foods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hi, we're Sam and Dan! We like to help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you can find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. Read more about us

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Ahead of Thyme

    Hello and welcome! I'm Sam -- the founder of Ahead of Thyme, where we help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you will find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. So stay a while, browse around, and make something tasty for dinner tonight.

    • RSS Feed
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Work with Us
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Food Blogger Business School
    • Newsletter

    Browse

    • 60+ Easy Dinners
    • 60+ Chicken Recipes
    • 25+ Ground Beef Recipes
    • 40+ Pasta Recipes
    • 50+ Bread Recipes
    • 25+ Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2021 Ahead of Thyme Incorporated