Are you ready to indulge in a deliciously wholesome treat that will keep you energized throughout the day? Look no further than these delightful Granola Apple Bars from Motts! Bursting with the natural sweetness of apples and the rich flavor of peanut butter, these bars are not only easy to make but also a perfect snack for busy mornings or afternoon cravings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be savoring homemade goodness in no time. Click to discover the secrets behind these mouthwatering bars that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, diced apples, raisins, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm honey and peanut butter together for 30-45 seconds. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the warm honey-peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until all components are completely coated and stick together.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the top looks set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block out of the pan and cut into 12 equal bars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the raisins for your favorite dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile. You can also add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch!
- Perfect Oat Consistency: Make sure to use rolled oats, as quick oats may result in a mushy texture. Rolled oats provide the ideal chewiness that makes these bars so satisfying.
- Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture into the baking pan, press down firmly to ensure the bars hold together well. This step is crucial for a sturdy texture once baked.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; the edges should be golden brown, but be careful not to overbake them. A slight underbake can result in chewier bars!
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing much easier.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
