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For these tasty bars, you'll need a few key ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup unsalted almond butter - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1/4 cup ground flaxseed - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon These ingredients work together to create a chewy and satisfying snack. Rolled oats provide fiber and texture. Almond butter adds creaminess and healthy fats. Maple syrup gives sweetness and a hint of flavor. You can add dried cranberries for a fruity touch. They bring a nice tartness to balance the sweetness. Here’s how you can enhance the flavor: - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional) Feel free to get creative! You could try adding chocolate chips or coconut flakes for extra flavor. If you don't have almond butter, peanut butter is a great swap. It gives a different taste but still works well. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter. Here are some other substitutions: - Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup. - You can swap apple sauce for mashed banana or yogurt. - Rolled oats can be replaced with quick oats, but the texture may change. These substitutions help you customize the bars to your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors! First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even baking. While the oven heats, take a 9x9 inch baking pan. Grease it lightly with oil or use parchment paper. This ensures the bars come out easily after baking. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well. Stirring helps to blend the flavors throughout. In another bowl, you will mix the wet ingredients. Combine 1 cup of unsalted almond butter, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup of unsweetened apple sauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This texture is key for a good flavor. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. If you want, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for extra flavor. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Press it down firmly to help it hold together. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into bars and enjoy! To get the best texture in your Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal Bars, use rolled oats. They give a chewy feel that quick oats can't match. Ground flaxseed adds a nice touch, making the bars hold together well. Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking. This step helps the bars stay together after they cool. You can adjust the sweetness of your bars to fit your taste. Start with the amount of maple syrup in the recipe. If you want more sweetness, add a little extra syrup or some honey. For a less sweet option, use less syrup or skip the dried cranberries. The apple sauce adds natural sweetness, so keep that in mind! Having the right tools makes baking easier. A 9x9 inch baking pan works best for this recipe. Greasing it or using parchment paper helps with easy removal. A large mixing bowl is great for combining the dry ingredients. A sturdy spatula is perfect for mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Finally, use a toothpick to check if your bars are baked through. {{image_2}} If you want to make these bars nut-free, it's easy! Just swap almond butter for sunbutter or soy nut butter. Both options taste great and keep your bars creamy. You can also skip the pecans entirely. Instead, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch without nuts. You can get creative with fruits and seeds! Try adding fresh or dried fruits like blueberries, bananas, or apples. They add natural sweetness and flavor. Dried cranberries are a nice touch too, but feel free to mix them up. If you want extra nutrition, add chia seeds or hemp seeds for a boost. Making these bars vegan is simple! Use maple syrup as your sweetener, and ensure your almond butter is vegan-friendly. For gluten-free options, make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worry. Just remember to check the labels of all ingredients to keep it safe. Store your Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out. You can place parchment paper between the bars to avoid sticking. They will stay good in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the bag with the date. These bars can last for about three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat your bars for a warm treat. You can use a microwave or an oven. In the microwave, heat for 15-20 seconds. If you prefer the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This will make them soft and tasty again. Enjoy your delicious snack! Yes, you can use quick oats. However, the texture will change. Quick oats cook faster and can make the bars softer. Rolled oats provide a chewier bite. If you want that chewy texture, stick with rolled oats. These bars last up to a week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you freeze them, they can last for about three months. This way, you always have a tasty snack ready! Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Bake the bars, cool them, and store in the fridge. They are great for meal prep. Just grab a bar when you need a snack or breakfast. You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Both will work well in this recipe. Each option adds its own flavor. Choose one based on your taste or any allergies. Maple pecan baked oatmeal bars are tasty and easy to make. We covered key, optional, and substitute ingredients. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for texture, and ways to customize. We explored nut-free, vegan, and gluten-free options to fit your needs. Plus, we shared storage tips for freshness. Remember, these bars are flexible and great for any diet. Enjoy your baking and let these bars delight your taste buds!

Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal Bars

Satisfy your sweet cravings with these delicious Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, almond butter, and pecans, these bars are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Easy to make in just 45 minutes, they are both nutritious and tasty. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a delightful treat that's sure to please everyone!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup unsalted almond butter

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup ground flaxseed

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.

      In another bowl, mix together the almond butter, maple syrup, apple sauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

        Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries.

          Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly to ensure it holds together during baking.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Cut into bars and serve. These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 12 bars