Cranberry Almond Breakfast Bars
These Cranberry Almond Breakfast Bars are a healthy and delicious option for breakfast or snacking on the go. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, and dried cranberries, these bars are naturally sweetened with honey and perfect for meal prepping. Gluten-free and easy to make, they offer a balance of chewy and crunchy textures, providing a nutritious boost to start your day.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 8x8-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- 1 Spatula or mixing spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Saucepan (for melting wet ingredients)
- 1 Oven
- 1 Knife (for cutting the bars after baking)
- 1 Cooling rack (optional, for faster cooling)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup Almonds, roughly chopped
- ½ cup Dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup Honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup Almond butter
- ¼ cup Coconut oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they’re baked.
- Toast the Oats and Almonds:Spread the oats and chopped almonds onto a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to your bars.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:In a small saucepan, combine the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Everything Together:In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, almonds, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and sea salt. Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to the Baking Dish:Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or a spatula. The firmer you press, the better your bars will hold together once cooled.
- Bake:Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Cut and Serve:Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan. Slice them into rectangles or squares, depending on your preference. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
Storage and Shelf Life Tips for Cranberry Almond Breakfast Bars
To keep your Cranberry Almond Breakfast Bars fresh and delicious, here are some helpful storage tips:-
Room Temperature Storage:
Once the bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking them to prevent sticking. -
Refrigeration:
For longer shelf life, you can store the bars in the refrigerator. In an airtight container, they will last up to 7-10 days. The cool temperature helps maintain their texture and flavor. -
Freezing:
These bars freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep! To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.