Chewy Granola Bars With Pecans, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips

Granola bars are the ultimate snack: sweet, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re heading out the door for a morning run or need a midday pick-me-up at the office, these chewy granola bars with pecans, raisins, and chocolate chips will quickly become your go-to treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients and a perfect balance of flavors, they are not just delicious but also a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to keep making these chewy delights.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

These chewy granola bars are not only a hit with the whole family but also incredibly easy to make. With the perfect combination of chewy oats, crunchy pecans, plump raisins, and rich chocolate chips, each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors. They are customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Plus, they store well, making them perfect for meal prep. You’ll find yourself reaching for these bars again and again!

Ingredient Rundown

• 1 cup oat flour – This serves as the base, providing a wholesome, nutty flavor.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the bars rise slightly and adds to their chewy texture.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda – Works alongside the baking powder for perfect consistency.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds a warm spice that brings depth to the flavor profile.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature – Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients.
• 1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar – Sweetens the bars while contributing to their chewy texture.
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent to hold everything together.
• 1/4 cup honey – Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce – A healthier alternative to oil that keeps the bars moist.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
• 2 cups quick oats – The star ingredient that provides heartiness and chew.
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips – Adds a touch of indulgence with rich chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 cup raisins – For natural sweetness and a chewy texture contrast.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans – Gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Gear Checklist

• Mixing Bowls – For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk – To ensure everything is well blended and aerated.
• 8×8 Baking Pan – Perfect size for cutting into bars.
• Parchment Paper – Helps with easy removal of the bars from the pan.
• Spatula – Ideal for spreading the mixture evenly in the baking pan.
• Oven – Necessary for baking these delicious granola bars.

Cooking Chewy Granola Bars With Pecans, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips: The Process

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will help ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or whisk.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, honey, apple sauce, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!

Step 6: Fold in Oats, Chocolate Chips, Raisins, and Pecans

Gently fold in the quick oats, dark chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped pecans. This should create a thick, sticky mixture.

Step 7: Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly; this will help create dense and chewy bars. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow the granola bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares or rectangles.

Season-by-Season Upgrades

• Spring: Add chopped dried apricots and a splash of lemon zest for a fresh, fruity flavor.
• Summer: Mix in some coconut flakes and swap raisins for diced dried mango.
• Fall: Incorporate pumpkin puree and swap out the chocolate for white chocolate chips.
• Winter: Add a pinch of nutmeg and chopped crystallized ginger for a warm, spicy kick.

Insider Tips

• For an extra chewy texture, let the bars sit for a day before cutting them.
• Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits based on your preferences.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar or honey if desired.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

These chewy granola bars are perfect for meal prep! Once cooled, cut them into individual bars and store them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil for easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week. If you want to extend their freshness, consider freezing them. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Quick oats help bind the bars better and create a chewier texture.

What can I substitute for honey?

If you prefer, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.

Are these granola bars gluten-free?

To make these granola bars gluten-free, ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.

Can I add protein powder to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute a small portion of the oat flour with protein powder, but be cautious not to overdo it, as it might alter the texture.

Desserts to Finish

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies – A timeless favorite that never disappoints.
• Moist Banana Bread – A great way to use up overripe bananas.
• Fudgy Chewy Brownies – Indulge in rich chocolate goodness.
• Homemade Peanut Butter Cups – A delightful treat for peanut butter lovers.

Bring It to the Table

There you have it! A delicious recipe for chewy granola bars with pecans, raisins, and chocolate chips that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. These bars are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a post-workout treat. With a charming combination of flavors and textures, they are not only satisfying but also nourishing. So, gather your ingredients and start baking these delightful granola bars today! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share with family and friends!