How to Make Cranberry and Chocolate Granola Bars

Surprisingly enough, granola bars are one of the easiest recipes I've ever baked. I always thought cupcakes and cookies were the simplest recipes to make. As I am always looking for new baked goods to be created, I never thought of granola bars being a homemade recipe that could be made in just half an hour. The best part is I don't feel too guilty craving them, all to myself, throughout the week—unlike my recipe for white chocolate and blueberry cookies. This is because the granola bars mainly consist of old fashioned oats and almonds that provide you with the essential fats we need. The bars also have light brown sugar, which can be excluded if you're completely cutting out added sugar this January for a fresh new start to the new year. This will then only contain the natural sugars from the honey that won't harm your body. This recipe also contains almonds, which can easily be removed from the recipe if you or someone you know suffers from a nut allergy. If you're not a fan of either cranberries or chocolate chips then you easily substitute these ingredients for sunflower seeds, blueberries, or just leave out the additional ingredients.

So, why not try to make this simple snack on the go for the week ahead? It's perfect for having the granola as a prepared breakfast bar or a snack everyday. Did I also mention that these delicious homemade granola bars will fill you up until your next meal? There's no excuse for constantly going to your fridge when all you need is this high protein and fiber bar. Baking has never been easier with this simple to follow recipe that is filled with goodness.

The recipe will only take you 20 minutes to make, and then you chill the granola mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes. The granola mixture makes eight to 10 bars. It can be stored in airtight container for up to one week.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Time to Set: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• Granola mixture
• 60g of butter
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 2 cups of oats
• 1 tbsp of cinnamon
• 80g of flaked almonds
• 1/3 cup of light brown sugar
• 50g of cranberries
• 50g of dark chocolate chips

Equipment

• Baking paper
• Baking tray

The baking begins...

1. Line the baking paper with the baking tray and heat the oven to 180 degrees.
2. Place the almonds and oats in the baking tray and toast in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
3. While the oats are toasting, add the butter, cinnamon, honey, and sugar into a medium-sized saucepan. On a medium heat, stir in the ingredients until the butter and sugar dissolve.
4. Once the almonds and oats are toasted, place in large bowl with the honey and sugar mixture. Stir in the cranberries and mix thoroughly, ensuring that the oats and almonds are covered with the honey and sugar mixture. Allow to cool before adding the chocolate chips to the granola (so it doesn't melt).
5. After adding the chocolate chips, flatten the granola into baking tray with the baking paper and let it set for 30 minutes in the fridge.
6. Once set, cut the granola into desired slices and serve. Make sure to store in a airtight container if not being eaten.

Idea

Christmas approaching fast and we all know it can become really frustrating finding the perfect gift for your family and friends. If you're really stuck on ideas for presents, why not give your loved ones a batch of granola bars? Just put four to six into a cookie jar for each person and tie a festive bow on the top of the lid. This can also be ideal for my white chocolate and cookie recipe for those of you that are reading my posts for the first time.