Almond Cranberry Granola Bars

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.

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!

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.

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.

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3. Add sauce to dry ingredients. Add liquids to oat mixture. Pour the warm liquid mixture over the oats and stir to combine.

4. 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!)
5. Add cranberries and chocolate. Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips. 
6. 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.

7. Bake. Bake in a 325F preheated oven for 20-25 minutes (or add more time for crunchier granola bars).
8. Cool. Cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Then, cut into bars and serve.

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.

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• Gingerbread Granola

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