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To make these tasty energy bars, you need some key ingredients: - 1 cup almonds, finely chopped - 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract These ingredients work together to create a chewy and satisfying snack. The almonds give a nice crunch, while the cranberries add a fruity sweetness. Rolled oats provide fiber, and chia seeds pack in extra nutrients. You can make these bars even better with a few optional add-ins: - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips Adding chocolate chips can make them more indulgent. They melt slightly during baking, giving a sweet surprise in each bite. Each bar offers a healthy boost. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving (1 bar): - Calories: ~180 - Protein: ~5g - Fiber: ~3g - Sugars: ~8g - Healthy fats: ~10g These energy bars are not only tasty but also fill you up. They provide energy without heavy sugars, making them a great snack for any time of day. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This will help you lift the bars out later. In a big bowl, combine your dry ingredients. Add 1 cup of finely chopped almonds, 1 cup of roughly chopped dried cranberries, and 1 cup of rolled oats. Then mix in 1/4 cup of chia seeds and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir well until everything is blended evenly. In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of almond butter and 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. Heat it on low and stir until it becomes smooth. Once it blends well, take it off the heat. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for flavor. Carefully pour the warm nut butter mixture over your dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together. Ensure all oats and nuts are coated well with the almond butter mixture. This step makes for tasty bars. Now, transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. Make sure it is packed evenly. A good press helps the bars hold their shape. Place your dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown. Once baked, remove the dish and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time is crucial for the bars to set properly. To make the best almond cranberry energy bars, follow these tips: - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh nuts and dried fruits enhance flavor and texture. - Chop evenly: Chop nuts and cranberries into similar sizes for even mixing. - Heat nut butter slowly: This helps it blend well with honey or syrup. - Don’t skip the cooling step: Letting the bars cool properly helps them set. Store your energy bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can also: - Refrigerate: This helps maintain firmness and flavor. - Freeze: Wrap bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They last longer this way. Make your energy bars appealing! Here are some ideas: - Use a bright plate: A colorful plate makes bars look fun. - Drizzle chocolate: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the top. It adds a delicious touch. - Cut into fun shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for kids. - Serve with fruit: Pair with fresh fruit for a healthy snack spread. Pro Tips Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for an hour after baking before slicing them into pieces. Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out almonds and cranberries for other nuts and dried fruits based on your preferences! Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your dried cranberries and nuts are fresh to enhance the flavor and texture of the bars. Storage Tips: To maintain freshness, store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your Almond Cranberry Energy Bars. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you want a nutty twist, swap almonds for walnuts or pecans. You can also mix in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added crunch. Want a sweeter touch? Add some cocoa powder or a scoop of protein powder. Each change will bring a new taste to your bars. Texture is key in energy bars. Use crunchy peanut butter instead of almond butter for a different feel. You can also try mixing in some crispy rice cereal. This will give your bars a fun crunch. If you prefer less sweetness, use less honey or maple syrup. You can even use stevia or agave syrup. Experimenting with these options can lead to your perfect bite! These energy bars can fit many diets. For a vegan option, replace honey with agave syrup. You can also use almond butter that is vegan-friendly. If you need a gluten-free snack, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your needs. Enjoy a tasty snack that suits your diet! To keep your Almond Cranberry Energy Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps avoid moisture and keeps them from drying out. You can layer the bars with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Always label the container with the date to track freshness. You can store your energy bars in the fridge for a week. Refrigeration helps maintain their texture and flavor. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can last up to three months. When stored properly, these energy bars can last about a week in the fridge. In the freezer, they can stay good for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like a change in smell or texture, before enjoying them after storage. Yes, you can use other nut butters. Peanut butter works well and adds a rich flavor. Cashew butter is another great option, providing a creamy texture. Sunflower seed butter is perfect too for a nut-free version. Each will change the taste a bit, but they all work in this recipe. These energy bars can last for up to one week in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before eating. Absolutely! You can swap honey or maple syrup with agave nectar or brown rice syrup. These alternatives will still bind the bars together and add sweetness. If you're looking for a lower sugar option, try using mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. Just keep in mind that the bars may change in texture. Almonds are high in healthy fats and protein. They can help keep you full longer. They also have vitamin E, which is great for your skin. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and can support your immune system. Together, they make these energy bars not just tasty, but also a nutritious snack option. You learned how to make delicious Almond Cranberry Energy Bars. We covered their main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can try fun variations and choose the best storage methods. These bars are tasty, healthy, and easy to customize. They can fit many diets and last a long time. Now, you can enjoy a quick snack that fuels your day and satisfies your cravings. Getting creative in the kitchen with these energy bars is simple and fun!

Almond Cranberry Energy Bars

Delicious and nutritious energy bars made with almonds, cranberries, and oats, perfect for a quick snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup almonds, finely chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 2 cup almond butter
  • 1 2 cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 4 cup chia seeds
  • 1 4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Oven and Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later on.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped almonds, roughly chopped dried cranberries, rolled oats, chia seeds, and sea salt. Use a spatula to stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Heat the Nut Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, add the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Once blended, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract.
  • Combine Both Mixtures: Carefully pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Use a spatula to mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that all oats and nuts are coated evenly with the almond butter mixture.
  • Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the mixture at this stage, making sure they are evenly dispersed.
  • Press into Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly into an even layer, ensuring it’s well-packed.
  • Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
  • Cool: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly.
  • Cut and Store: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars of your preferred size. Store the energy bars in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness.

Notes

Serve the energy bars on a bright-colored plate for a pop of color! Consider drizzling a little extra melted dark chocolate over the top for an added touch of indulgence.
Keyword energy bars, healthy, snack