Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

$These coconut chocolate chip granola bars are simple yet tasty. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut - 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter you like) - 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but nice to add) Each ingredient plays a key role. The oats give a hearty base. Coconut adds a tropical twist. Almond butter binds it all together. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the mix. You can switch out ingredients based on your taste or what you have: - Use peanut butter instead of almond butter for a different flavor. - Swap honey for agave syrup to make it vegan. - Choose any nut butter if you want a nut-free option. - Change dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate or white chocolate. Each swap can change the taste and texture, so feel free to experiment! Want to make your bars even more fun? Here are some ideas to consider: - Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for sweetness. - Mix in chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition. - Toss in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. - Try protein powder for a protein boost. These add-ins can make your granola bars unique. Customize them to fit your cravings! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, prepare your workspace. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later. Next, let’s mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut, 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts. Stir everything well to blend the flavors. Now, we need to melt the wet ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Microwave this mixture for 30 to 45 seconds. Stir it until it becomes smooth. Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix it all together. Make sure every bit of the dry mix is coated. Then, gently fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. Be careful not to break the chips. Transfer the granola mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use the back of your spatula to press it down firmly. This helps the bars stick together. Now, place the pan in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the edges to turn a light golden brown. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your tasty granola bars! To get the right texture, follow these tips. Use rolled oats, not instant or quick oats. Rolled oats give a nice chew. Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold their shape. Bake until the edges are golden. This step adds a crunchy bite. If you want softer bars, bake for a shorter time. Store the bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap bars in parchment paper. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They stay tasty for up to three months in the freezer. Always allow the bars to cool fully before storing. This keeps them from getting soggy. Serve the bars as a snack or breakfast. Pair them with yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. Cut them into smaller pieces for kids. You can also crumble them over ice cream for a fun treat. For a pretty presentation, sprinkle extra coconut and chocolate chips on top. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure to use fresh rolled oats and coconut. Stale ingredients can affect the texture and taste of your granola bars. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference and dietary needs, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also use agave syrup or a sugar substitute. Customize Your Mix-ins: Don't hesitate to personalize your granola bars! Add different dried fruits, seeds, or spices like cinnamon for a unique twist. Store Properly: To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of these bars easily. If you want nut-free bars, use sunflower seed butter. For a chocolate-free option, skip the dark chocolate chips. You can add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet twist. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. Seasonal changes can inspire new flavors. In fall, add pumpkin spice and chopped apples. In winter, consider adding peppermint extract and crushed candy canes. For summer, mix in fresh berries or tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. Each season brings a chance to enjoy different tastes. To make these bars healthier, swap honey with mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. You can also reduce the chocolate chips to cut sugar. Use whole grain oats for more fiber. Adding chia seeds or flaxseeds can boost nutrition too. These small changes keep your bars tasty and good for you. These Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars pack a tasty punch. Each bar has about 170 calories. You get around 7 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, and 21 grams of carbs. These numbers may change based on your exact ingredients. - Rolled oats: They are great for your heart. Oats can lower cholesterol and keep you full. - Shredded unsweetened coconut: This adds healthy fats and fiber. It can boost your energy. - Almond butter: Packed with protein and good fats, this helps with muscle and brain health. - Honey or maple syrup: These natural sweeteners give a quick energy boost. They also have antioxidants. - Dark chocolate chips: They contain antioxidants and can even improve mood. - Sunflower seeds: These are full of vitamins. They help skin and heart health. - Chopped nuts: Almonds or walnuts add healthy fats and protein. They support brain health. To avoid overindulging, cut the bars into smaller pieces. Aim for 1-2 bars as a snack. Store extra bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and ready for your next craving. Enjoy these bars in moderation to balance your diet! Yes, you can use any nut butter you like. Almond butter is tasty, but peanut butter or cashew butter works too. Each nut butter adds a unique flavor. Just make sure it is smooth for easy mixing. This way, your granola bars will still hold together well. To make these bars vegan, swap honey for pure maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness without using any animal products. Also, check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Many brands offer great vegan options. With these swaps, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats! These granola bars last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place. You can also wrap them individually for easy snacks. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before eating. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for tasty snacks, from main components to optional add-ins. We detailed step-by-step instructions for preparation, mixing, and baking. You now have tips to enhance texture and keep your food fresh. We also covered flavor variations and health benefits. Remember, you can customize recipes to fit your diet. Experiment with different ingredients to find what you love most. With the right approach, you can create delicious snacks that everyone will enjoy. Your kitchen adventure starts now!$

Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Delicious and chewy granola bars made with oats, coconut, and dark chocolate.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
0.5 cup almond butter
0.5 cup honey or pure maple syrup
0.5 cup dark chocolate chips
0.25 cup sunflower seeds
0.25 cup chopped nuts
0.25 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the rolled oats, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, and chopped nuts.
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for about 30-45 seconds until melted and smooth.
Pour the melted almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl and combine with a spatula.
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking pan and press down firmly and evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
Allow the granola bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares or rectangles.

Notes

For an on-the-go snack option, individually wrap the bars in parchment paper, tying with a string for an extra charming presentation.

Keyword chocolate, coconut, granola bars, snack