These soft granola bars are filled with nuts, coconut and chocolate in every bite. Better than store bought bars because you control the ingredients.
Sometimes I like a nice crunchy granola bar, and sometimes I want a soft and chew one. The basic difference is you lightly toast the ingredients before adding the syrup for chewy, but for a crispy bar you combine the ingredients first and then bake.
It is so much fun to mix and match with ingredients I have in the pantry. And since I had some leftover mini chocolate chips I went for the chewy version. They don't work as well in the crunchy.
Other Granola Bar Flavor Suggestions
These were more or less, an Almond Joy granola bar, but if that isn't your thing try some of the following:
- nuts and seeds: almonds, pecans, pistachios, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia, sesame or flaxseed
- nut or seed butters: mix some peanut butter ( or almond, sunflower, or pecan butter) with the coconut oil before melting
- dried fruit, raisins, cranberries, cherries, dates, mangoes, apricots, etc.
- spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, pumpkin spice, etc.
- extras: coconut, mini marshmallows, crushed cookies or graham crackers, crisped rice or other cereal.
Instead of sprinkling the chocolate chips on top you can melt chocolate and dip the bars in that after cutting.
More Whole Grains Recipes
September is National Rice and National Whole Grains Month. The fourth week of September is National Wild Rice Week. Whole grains are nutritious and are great to make delicious food right from appetizers, salads, breads, and main courses to desserts. In our #FestiveFoodies, we are celebrating the grains this month by sharing our favorite recipes showcasing any grains and Radha of Magical Ingredients is hosting this event. We are sharing 30 different recipes using whole grains and join us in the celebration. Wednesday Wholegrain Recipes- Sorghum and Spinach Roti by Magical Ingredients
- Couscous with Summer Squash, Mint and Pistachios by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Chocolate Chip Coconut Chewy Granola Bars by ThatRecipe
- Pork Burrito Bowl by Jen Around the World
- One Pan Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Bowls by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Easy Pesto Rice by Leftovers Then Breakfast
- Whole Wheat Banana Bread by Making Miracles
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2½ cups old fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup almonds (slivered or chopped)
- ⅓ cup honey (or agave or maple syrup)
- ¼ cup butter flavored coconut oil
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8 inch square pan with foil and grease lightly
- Combine oats and almonds then spread in a thin layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes. Stir and bake another 3-5 minutes until both are toasty and light brown.
- In a small pan on the stove or in a microwave safe dish, melt butter. honey and brown sugar. Add vanilla extract and stir to cool slightly.
- Combine oat mixture, coconut oil mixture and shredded coconut in a medium bowl.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Grease your fingers, or use a wet paper towel, and press the granola firmly together. If you don't, they will crumble as soon as you cut them.
- Sprinkle the mini chips over the top and press them in slightly so they don't fall off. Let cool completely.
- When cool, cut into bars. Store in an airtight container. Best if eaten with a few days.
Sound fabulous? Share it!
Until next time, happy eating!
~Audrey
Wendy Klik
I'm sure these are much bettter than those you buy at the grocer. I'll have to try making some.
Lisa
Ok, so i made these because i think the ingredients are terrific. They fell apart as soon as i cut them. I believe the problem might be that the mixture on stove/micro needs to be at a low simmer to harden when cool. Just melting ingredients together may not be enough. They tasted good but they were not “bars”.
Audrey
That could be. It could also be that you didn't press the granola into the pan hard enough before adding the chocolate chips. I will update the instructions to emphasize this step.