Try these granola bars for a sweet and filling snack that has a chewy texture and is full of flavor.
Ohhhh man, I’ve forgotten how good these granola bars are. I first shared this recipe four years ago, but I wanted to update the pictures to do the bars more justice.
Although I think the flavor combo of these Coconut Chocolate Granola Bars is to die for, it’s the texture that I find so addicting. They’re so perfectly chewy with some crunch from the dark chocolate chips hiding inside.
I used to just make these granola bars by mixing the ingredients, forming the base for the bars, and then chilling it for a few hours to help it set up. But this past time, I discovered a life-changing step: baking them.
The only issue I’ve had with these bars is they’re a bit sticky and can get messy. So on a whim, I decided to throw them in the oven for a little while to see if that would help improve the structure. And yes, I’m happy to report it somehow made these granola bars even better!
I usually turn this recipe into 8 granola bars, but if you want it to go farther, it works well to split that in half again, so you have 16 small granola bar squares. I ended up doing that this past time, except then I kept going back 5 minutes later to eat the other half of the bar I had split in half. Because, like I said, these can get addicting.
Coconut Chocolate Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup chopped almonds
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1 Tbs pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare an 8×8 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine the oats, chocolate, coconut, almonds, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the almond butter, honey, syrup, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and mix it using a hand mixer to thoroughly incorporate everything.
- Pour all ingredients into the prepared baking dish, and using wet hands or a spatula, press down on the mixture to spread it out and make it level.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the sides begin to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for about an hour to help the chocolate solidify and the bars to set up.
- Cut into 8 granola bars by slicing 3 evenly spaced vertical lines and 1 horizontal line down the middle.
- Store in the fridge to help the bars last longer.
This recipe works well for a filling snack, and it does double duty as a way to satisfy your sweet tooth in the process! Enjoy. ๐
The original version of this post was published on April 6, 2015.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
There is a lot going on with those for sure but they look great!
Katie says
Haha ya, a bit. I threw in a bunch of my favorite ingredients for an overload of tasty goodness.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Um…YUM! Coconut and chocolate all the way!
Katie says
That’s what I’m saying! Such a good combo.
Gloria says
These look amazing! I’m so happy to have found a recipe that uses real ingredients, and ones that I already have on hand. Thanks again for following up with me on Instagram, can’t wait to try these out!
Katie says
Aww my pleasure! Glad the recipe is something you’re interested in. ๐ Hope you enjoy the bars!