White Chocolate Cranberry Granola Bars

Why Choose Homemade Granola Bars?

Granola bars are a fantastic option for those who want a quick, portable snack without the added sugars and preservatives found in many store-bought versions. According to a study by the National Institute of Health, homemade granola bars can be a healthier choice compared to commercially processed ones, as you have full control over the ingredients and their quality. Plus, they offer a great way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your diet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need a mix of simple yet wholesome ingredients:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat peanut butter
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions: How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Granola Bars

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13×9-inch baking pan by coating it with cooking spray.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, honey, maple syrup, reduced-fat peanut butter, egg white, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice.
4. Combine Everything: Stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Then, add the oats, crisp rice cereal, white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Bake: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown.
6. Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Nutritional Information

Each bar contains approximately:

• Calories: 109
• Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 1 mg
• Sodium: 57 mg
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g

Expert Tips for Perfect Granola Bars

• Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the cranberries and walnuts for other dried fruits or nuts to suit your taste preferences.
• Press Firmly: Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure that the bars hold together well after baking.
• Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming too dry.

FAQs

Can I make these bars vegan? Yes, you can substitute the egg white with a flax egg or chia egg to make the bars vegan.

How long do these bars last? When stored in an airtight container, these granola bars can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Can I use other types of chocolate? Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious and healthy recipes? Dive into my Pinterest board for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! And if you’re eager to make meal prep even simpler, don’t miss out on my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s brimming with quick, easy recipes designed to elevate your cooking game. Grab your copy today and start transforming your meals! 

Enjoy your White Chocolate Cranberry Granola Bars and happy snacking!