Irresistible 5-Ingredient Maple Pecan Granola Bars Recipe

You know those mornings when you’re rushing out the door and need something quick, delicious, and actually good for you? That’s where my maple pecan granola bars come in. I’ve been making these for years—ever since I got tired of store-bought bars that taste like cardboard and cost way too much. The secret? Real maple syrup and toasted pecans give them that rich, nutty sweetness you just can’t fake. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up—just mix, press, bake, and you’ve got a week’s worth of breakfasts or snacks ready to go. Trust me, once you try homemade, you’ll never go back to those plastic-wrapped imposters!

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle with these bars – and trust me, every one matters! You’ll need:

• 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned kind, not instant)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (measure after chopping – I like some big chunks for texture!)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (the real stuff – no pancake syrup allowed!)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (just zap it for 20 seconds if it’s solid)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (press it into the measuring cup with your fingers)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt (balances all that sweetness perfectly)

Pro tip: Set everything out before starting – this recipe comes together fast once the syrup mixture heats up!

How to Make Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Okay, let’s get baking! These maple pecan granola bars are seriously simple – just follow these steps and you’ll have perfect bars every time. The key is taking it one step at a time and not rushing the process (especially that cooling part – I know it’s hard to wait!).

Preparing the Dry Ingredients

First things first – grab a big mixing bowl and dump in your oats and chopped pecans. If you want that extra nutty flavor (and who doesn’t?), toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until they smell amazing. Just stir them constantly so they don’t burn!

Making the Maple Syrup Mixture

Now for the magic glue that holds everything together! In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Heat it over medium-low, stirring constantly, until everything melts together into a glossy, fragrant syrup – about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t see any sugar granules left.

Baking and Cooling the Granola Bars

Pour that gorgeous syrup over your dry ingredients and mix until everything’s coated. Then press it FIRMLY into your lined baking dish – I mean really pack it down with the back of a measuring cup. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden at the edges. Here’s the hardest part: let them cool completely (at least an hour) before cutting – this keeps them from crumbling. I know, the wait kills me too!

Tips for Perfect Maple Pecan Granola Bars

After making dozens of batches (some great, some… not so much), I’ve learned these tricks make all the difference:

• Toast those pecans! Just 5 minutes in a dry pan takes them from “good” to “OMG” level flavor.
• Press like you mean it – use a flat-bottomed glass to really compact the mixture so bars stay together.
• Parchment paper is non-negotiable – no sticking, no scraping, just perfect bars that pop right out.
• Cool completely before cutting – I know it’s torture, but warm bars crumble into granola (delicious, but not what we want!).

Follow these and you’ll get bars that hold together but still have that perfect chew!

Variations for Maple Pecan Granola Bars

One of my favorite things about these bars is how easily you can mix them up! If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds – just keep them at 1 cup total. No maple syrup? Honey works beautifully (though the flavor changes slightly). For chocolate lovers, stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips after mixing – the warmth from the syrup makes them melt slightly into the most delicious pockets. Feeling adventurous? Add a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds for extra nutrition. The possibilities are endless!

Storing Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Here’s the best part – these bars actually get better after a day as the flavors meld! I keep mine in an airtight container at room temperature (if they last that long), and they stay fresh for a full week. For extra crunch, you can pop them in the toaster oven for 30 seconds – just enough to wake up that maple aroma without making them soggy. Pro tip: If you’re making a big batch, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – just separate with parchment paper so they don’t stick together!

Nutritional Information for Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Let’s talk numbers – these maple pecan granola bars pack nutrition alongside all that delicious flavor! Each bar (based on cutting the batch into 12) contains about:

• 180 calories
• 10g fat (mostly the good kind from pecans and coconut oil)
• 22g carbs (3g fiber from those hearty oats)
• 3g protein
• 12g sugar (all natural from maple syrup)

Now, these are estimates – your exact counts might vary slightly based on how thick you cut your bars or if you tweak the ingredients. But compared to store-bought versions loaded with preservatives? This homemade win tastes better AND treats your body better!

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Pecan Granola Bars

I get asked about these maple pecan granola bars all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my honest answers!):

Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Just skip the honey variation and stick with maple syrup. The coconut oil makes them naturally dairy-free too.

Why won’t my bars stay together?
Two likely culprits: not pressing firmly enough (really pack it down!) or cutting before completely cool. Patience is key!

Can I freeze them?
Yes! They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. I layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container.

What’s the best substitute for pecans?
Walnuts or almonds work great – just keep the same measurement. For nut allergies, try sunflower seeds!

How do I know when they’re done baking?
Look for golden edges and that amazing maple aroma filling your kitchen. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Go Make These Maple Pecan Granola Bars!

Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of these maple pecan granola bars and taste the difference homemade makes. I’d love to hear how yours turn out – leave a comment about your favorite variation or that magical moment when the maple aroma fills your kitchen. Happy baking!

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