Sweet Maple Walnut Oat Bars

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards healthier snacking options, driven by an increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition and well-being. Busy lifestyles often lead people to seek out convenient snack solutions, yet the convenience shouldn't come at the expense of health. This growing trend has resulted in a rising demand for homemade snacks that are both nutritious and satisfying. One such delightful option is the Sweet Maple Walnut Oat Bars, a wholesome treat that is not only easy to make but also packed with beneficial ingredients.

Discover the joy of making your own Sweet Maple Walnut Oat Bars, a delightful and nutritious snack perfect for any time of the day. This easy recipe combines wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, walnuts, and pure maple syrup, ensuring a satisfying treat without compromising health. Ideal for breakfast, post-workout, or lunchboxes, these bars are packed with flavor and energy. Enjoy a wholesome snacking experience that you can customize with your favorite add-ins!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup walnuts, chopped

1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, gently melt the almond butter and brown sugar together, stirring continuously. Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm nut-butter mixture over the oat mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated. If using, fold in the dried cranberries and chocolate chips at this stage.

Press into Dish: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using the back of a spatula or your hands, firmly press the mixture down to create an even layer.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the dish and cool on a wire rack until fully cool (around 30 minutes) before slicing into squares.

Store: Store your Sweet Maple Walnut Oat Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars