Homemade Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bar
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A Unique and Nutritious Snack: Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bar
If you’re a parent, you’re probably familiar with the constant struggle of finding healthy and tasty snacks for your little ones. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably bought countless granola bars over the years. But have you ever thought of making your own granola bars at home? Yes, that’s right! You can make your own delicious and nutritious bars with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. And the star of this recipe? **Gerber Baby Cereal!** You might be surprised, but it’s the perfect substitute ingredient in this amazing recipe for **Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars**.
Gerber Baby Cereal: A Game-Changer for Snacks
Now, I can almost hear your thoughts. Baby cereal in a granola bar? You must be joking! But no, I’m absolutely serious. **Gerber Baby Cereal** is organic, packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and comes in a variety of flavors to suit your taste. It’s the perfect ingredient for a healthy homemade snack. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover baby cereal once your child has outgrown this stage of their diet.
Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars: A Recipe for Success
So, how do you make these **Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars**? The process is surprisingly simple, and the result is a snack that’s both toddler and adult-approved. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/4 cup Gerber Oatmeal Cereal
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbs sunflower oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9×9 pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving excess hanging over for easy bar removal.
- Spread the nuts and cranberries out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, bring the honey, oil, and brown sugar to a simmer. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then remove from heat and add the vanilla.
- In a bowl, combine the Gerber Oatmeal, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in the nut and cranberry mixture, then add the honey mixture until everything is well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the 9×9 dish and press down using another piece of parchment paper until evenly spread.
- Scatter a few rolled oats or almond slices onto the top.
- Place in the fridge for about an hour. Then remove and cut into bars.
Enjoying Your Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars
Now that you’ve made your **Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars**, you’ll want to store them properly. Since you’re unlikely to eat them all in one sitting, wrap them individually with parchment paper and put them into ziplock bags. They’ll be ready to go whenever you need a quick and nutritious snack. And, with the different flavors of Gerber Cereals, you can experiment with various dried fruits and nuts for a variety of tasty and nutritious on-the-go snacks. For example, you could try using dried banana with the banana or strawberry banana oatmeal cereals. Or, consider creating an Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bar. The possibilities are endless!
The Health Benefits of Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars
One of the key reasons why **Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars** are an excellent choice for a nutritious snack is because of the health benefits they offer. Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which can help to protect your body from harmful free radicals. Additionally, they are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Almonds, on the other hand, are packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various important nutrients. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly in the brown layer of skin. Almonds are also high in vitamin E, which can protect your cells from oxidative damage.
Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Customizing Your Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars
One of the beauties of making your own **Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars** is that you can customize them to your liking. For example, if you prefer a sweeter bar, you can add a touch more honey. If you’re looking to add more protein, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder or some chia seeds. You can also substitute the almonds with other nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or even add some seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. The possibilities are truly endless!
Why Homemade Bars are Better Than Store-Bought
While it’s certainly convenient to grab a box of granola bars from the store, making your own has several benefits. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients. This means you can avoid any additives or preservatives often found in store-bought bars. Secondly, homemade bars are often more cost-effective. Lastly, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from making your own snacks. Plus, it can be a fun activity to do with your kids!
Storing and Serving Your Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Bars
Your homemade bars can be stored at room temperature for about a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to make a larger batch, you can also freeze them. Simply wrap each bar individually in parchment paper, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat one, just let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the honey with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats. However, they may result in a softer texture. For a chewier bar, stick with rolled oats.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! If you want to add a little extra sweetness, feel free to mix in some chocolate chips. Just make sure to