Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars No Bake

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1 cup almond or peanut butter These main ingredients form the base of your granola bars. Rolled oats give the bars a hearty texture. Unsweetened shredded coconut adds a delightful chewiness. Almond or peanut butter provides healthy fats and binds everything together. - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and stickiness. Dark chocolate chips bring a rich flavor and melt in your mouth. A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, making each bite even more enjoyable. - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans) - Pinch of salt Chia seeds offer extra nutrition and a slight crunch. Chopped nuts add a lovely texture and flavor boost. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop. You can mix and match based on your taste or what you have at home. In a large mixing bowl, gather your dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/4 cup chia seeds, and 1/4 cup chopped nuts. I like using almonds or walnuts, but you can pick your favorite. Mix them well until they are evenly spread out. Now it’s time to make the wet part. In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup almond or peanut butter with 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup over low heat. Stir it constantly until it is smooth. Once melted, take it off the heat. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Mix it all together until it’s fully combined. Pour the warm mixture over your dry ingredients in the bowl. Don’t forget to add 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips at this stage. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are fully coated. You want to make sure each piece gets some of that yummy mixture. Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. Transfer the granola mixture into the dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer. This step is key to keeping the bars together. Now, place the dish in the refrigerator. Let it set for at least 1-2 hours until it is firm. Once the mixture is set, remove it from the dish using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut it into bars or squares. You can cut them as big or small as you like. Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy these tasty treats for a quick snack! To get the best texture, press the mixture firmly into the dish. This helps the bars hold together. Use a spatula or your hands to pack it down. A good press gives you a solid bite. After that, refrigerate the dish for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the bars to set and become firm. You can switch up the nut butter if you need to. Almond butter works well, but peanut butter is a great choice too. If you have allergies, try sunflower seed butter. For sweeteners, honey and maple syrup are both tasty. You can also use agave syrup for a lighter option. Each will give you a different flavor. Want to make your bars pop? Add spices like cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg. They can bring warmth to the flavor. You can also use flavor extracts, like almond or coconut, for a twist. If you love chocolate, try different types. Milk chocolate chips will give a sweeter taste, while dark chocolate adds richness. Enjoy experimenting! {{image_2}} If you need a nut-free granola bar, use sunflower seed butter. This option is safe for kids with nut allergies. Sunflower seed butter has a creamy texture and a mild taste. It mixes well with the sweet ingredients. You can also add a bit of sunflower seeds for crunch. Want to change up the flavor? Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. They add a nice sweetness and chewiness. You can also mix in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. This adds a nice crunch and makes the bars more filling. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite mix! To make these bars fully plant-based, use maple syrup instead of honey. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. The bars still taste great and have the same chewy texture. Enjoy your delicious vegan snack! Store your chocolate coconut granola bars in airtight containers. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. You can place them in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is key. The cool air slows down spoilage and keeps flavors intact. You can freeze granola bars for up to three months. First, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. To thaw, simply move them to the fridge overnight. This way, they stay moist and flavorful. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for an off smell or unusual texture. If the bars feel hard or dry, they may have gone bad. Mold is a clear sign to throw them away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food! Yes, you can. Agave syrup works well in this recipe. It has a mild flavor. Brown rice syrup is another great choice. Both options keep the bars sweet and soft. These granola bars can last up to two weeks. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for best results. If you notice any changes in texture or smell, it may be time to toss them. Yes, these bars are gluten-free. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Most other ingredients, like nuts and coconut, are naturally gluten-free too. Always check labels for safety. You can add protein powder with ease. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 cup. Mix it well to avoid clumps. Too much may change the texture. Balance is key to keep the bars chewy. You now have a great recipe for homemade granola bars. Remember the key ingredients: rolled oats, coconut, and nut butter. Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup will add tasty flavor. Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins for a personal touch. By following the steps, you'll ensure a perfect texture every time. Store them right, and you can enjoy your bars for weeks. With a few swaps, you can adapt this recipe to suit any diet. Get ready to snack smart and delicious!$

Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars No Bake

Looking for a delicious and healthy snack? Try these Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars! With rolled oats, shredded coconut, and rich chocolate chips, these bars are easy to make and perfect for on-the-go energy. Just mix your ingredients, set in the fridge, and enjoy a tasty treat in no time. Click through to get the full recipe and discover how you can make your own homemade granola bars!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 cup almond or peanut butter

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chia seeds, and chopped nuts. Mix well to combine.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the almond or peanut butter along with the honey (or maple syrup), stirring continuously until smooth and well combined.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated.

Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Add the dark chocolate chips and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly using a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.

Place the dish in the refrigerator to set for at least 1-2 hours until firm.

Once set, lift the granola out of the dish using the parchment overhang and cut into bars or squares of your desired size.

Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars