Cranberry Almond Granola Bars (diabetic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Cranberry Almond Granola Bars
Cranberry Almond Granola Bars are a delightful and nutritious snack that can easily fit into a diabetic-friendly diet. These bars are not only low in sugar but also rich in fiber and healthy fats, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels while enjoying a tasty treat. The combination of tart cranberries and crunchy almonds offers a satisfying texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Historically, granola bars emerged in the 1960s as a convenient snack for health-conscious individuals. They quickly gained popularity for their portability and wholesome ingredients. Our diabetic-friendly version takes this classic snack to the next level by incorporating ingredients that are lower in sugar and higher in fiber, ensuring that you can enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. Plus, they are easy to make at home, allowing you to control the ingredients and customize them to your taste.
These bars are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a great option for meal prep. Just be careful not to eat the whole batch in one sitting—after all, moderation is key! And if anyone asks why you’re snacking on granola bars, just tell them it’s a “granola-tion” of your healthy lifestyle.
To make these bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. The process is straightforward, and the result is a deliciously chewy and crunchy snack that you can feel good about eating. So, let’s get started on making these delightful Cranberry Almond Granola Bars that are sure to please your taste buds while keeping your health in check.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries, unsweetened
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.5 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This will help prevent the bars from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped almonds, and 1 cup of unsweetened dried cranberries. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed, ensuring that the cranberries are well distributed.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 0.5 cups of honey and 0.5 cups of peanut butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to blend the flavors and makes it easier to mix with the dry ingredients.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 0.5 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoons of salt. Mixing these ingredients off the heat allows the vanilla to retain its flavor without being cooked away.
- Pour the warm honey-peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula to fold everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated. This is where the magic happens—everything should start to stick together.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly with the back of the spatula or your hands to create an even layer. Make sure it’s tightly packed, as this will help the bars hold their shape once baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as they can go from perfect to too crunchy in a matter of minutes.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into 12 squares. This cooling period is crucial, as it helps the bars firm up and makes them easier to slice.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Carbs g: 20
- Protein g: 5
- Fat g: 7
- Sugar g: 5
