Print

Flavorful Small Batch Trail Mix Granola Bars with Cajun Spice

small batch trail mix granola bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These granola bars combine toasted nuts, chewy oats, and a smoky Cajun spice for a quick, easy, and flavorful homemade snack perfect for on-the-go or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup rolled oats (90g)
  • 1/2 cup mixed nuts, chopped (60g) – almonds and pecans preferred
  • 1/3 cup trail mix (40g)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (60g)
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries (30g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Toast 1 cup rolled oats and 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup natural peanut butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Microwave for 20 seconds if needed to soften peanut butter.
  4. Stir 1 tsp Cajun seasoning into the wet mixture.
  5. Add the toasted oats and nuts, 1/3 cup trail mix, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, and 1 tbsp chia seeds (if using) into the wet bowl. Mix thoroughly until coated and sticky.
  6. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to about 1/2 inch thickness.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes to meld flavors and set texture.
  8. Cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting out and slicing into 8 bars.
  9. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Notes

Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Use parchment paper for easy removal. Cool bars completely before slicing for best results. For nut-free version, substitute nuts with seeds. Adjust Cajun spice to taste. Use gluten-free oats for gluten-free option. Vegan option: replace honey with maple syrup and peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, trail mix, cajun spice, homemade snacks, easy granola bars, small batch, healthy snack

Find it online: https://avabake.com/flavorful-small-batch-trail-mix-granola-bars-with-cajun-spice-recipe-for-easy-homemade-snacks/