Cinnamon-Pecan Granola Bars
After mastering homemade granola, I decided to try my hand at making granola bars. It seemed like a daunting task, but after making my first batch, I realized that it wasn’t much harder than making granola. What I love about these bars is the chewy and crunchy texture combination.
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, divided
3 tablespoons raw, shelled pistachios
1/3 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Pinch of fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup mini tart pan or mini muffin pan. Place 1/2 cup of the oats in the bowl of a spice grinder or food processor, and pulse until a powder forms. Pour the powder into a large bowl. Place another 1/2 cup of the oats in spice grinder, and pulse a couple times until the oats are coarsely chopped. Pour into the bowl with the powdered oats. Add the remaining 1/2 cup oats to the bowl.
Place the pistachios in the grinder, and pulse until a powder forms. Pour into the bowl with the oats. Add the pecans and whisk until well combined.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Add the honey and brown sugar, and cook in 30-second intervals until the sugar has melted, stirring occasionally. Add the vanilla, salt, and cinnamon, and mix well. Mix the butter mixture into the oat mixture. Divide the mixture evenly among the tart pans or muffin cups. Press with the back of a spoon until the mixture becomes compact.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until set and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer the granola bars to a wire rack to cool.
Makes 12 granola bars.
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