Dive Into Michigan’s Vibrant Sweet and Tart Vegan Granola Bar Recipe

Photo byhomemade kitchen

In the heart of Michigan, where fresh fruits and natural ingredients shine, there’s a snack that perfectly embodies the state's rich and diverse food culture. The Sweet and Tart Vegan Granola Bar is a wholesome and delicious treat, capturing the essence of Michigan’s natural flavors. Packed with dried cherries, a fruit Michigan is famous for, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it an ideal snack for busy days, outdoor adventures, or a cozy afternoon at home.

Michigan is well-known for its cherry orchards, and this granola bar embraces that local flavor by incorporating dried cherries into the mix. Combined with rolled oats, almonds, and dark chocolate chips, these bars are not only delicious but also vegan-friendly, making them a go-to for anyone looking to indulge in a healthy, plant-based treat. Whether you’re enjoying the crisp air of Michigan’s Great Lakes or prepping snacks for a weekend camping trip, this granola bar brings the taste of nature with every bite.

Recipe: Michigan Style Sweet and Tart Vegan Granola Bar

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups rolled oats
• ¾ cup vegan dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup agave nectar
• ½ cup chopped dried cherries
• ⅓ cup applesauce
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and lightly grease a 7x11 1/2-inch pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chocolate chips, flour, agave nectar, dried cherries, applesauce, almonds, coconut, sunflower seeds, brown sugar, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined.
3. Lightly press the mixture into the prepared pan, making sure it's evenly spread.
4. Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Allow the granola bars to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting them into individual bars. For best results, let them cool completely in the pan before removing.

These granola bars offer a delicious mix of textures and flavors, from the chewy oats to the crunchy almonds and the sweet-tart contrast of the cherries. The addition of vegan dark chocolate chips gives it a little indulgence, making it a snack that satisfies both your cravings and your nutrition goals.

Whether you're packing these bars for a hike along the shores of Lake Michigan or simply enjoying them as a healthy afternoon snack, this recipe celebrates the best of Michigan’s natural bounty. Perfectly portable, full of energy, and incredibly flavorful, this Sweet and Tart Vegan Granola Bar is sure to become a favorite in your snack rotation.

ou can check more about variations and details of this recipe on sources like (Allrecipes)tps:/​(Vegan Recipes)ecipe/232308/sweet-and-tart-vegan-granola-bar/) and Vegan Recipes HQ.