Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars

Name: Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars at home because they're the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition. The rich chocolate coupled with the luscious texture of coconut makes for a delightful treat I can enjoy anytime. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up with just a few wholesome ingredients, and they make for great snacks on the go. Whenever I get a craving for something sweet, these bars satisfy my taste buds without any guilt!

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:25:11.094Z

During one of my weekend baking adventures, I decided to create a healthier version of granola bars using my favorite ingredients: chocolate and coconut. I was thrilled with how they turned out—rich, chewy, and packed with flavor! A tip I stumbled upon was to toast the oats lightly before mixing them in; this simple step enhances the nutty flavor and adds depth to the bars.

Next time, I'm thinking of adding some nuts for an added crunch and protein boost. Each time I make this recipe, I tweak it slightly, making it a fun experiment in the kitchen. If you’re like me and enjoy mixing things up, you’ll find endless possibilities with these yummy bars!

        Why You Will Love These Bars
        A perfect mix of chewy and crunchy textures
Rich chocolate flavor with a hint of coconut sweetness
Customizable with your favorite nuts and seeds

      

Perfecting Texture and Flavor

Achieving the ideal balance between chewiness and crunch is essential in homemade granola bars. The combination of rolled oats and shredded coconut creates a delightful base, while the almond butter binds everything together with a creamy consistency. Make sure to toast the shredded coconut lightly before mixing; this enhances its flavor and adds a hint of nuttiness that complements the chocolate beautifully. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as it can turn from golden to charred quite quickly.

Using dark chocolate chips in this recipe adds depth to the overall flavor profile. Not only do they offer a rich, bittersweet taste that contrasts the coconut's sweetness, but they also melt nicely into the mixture, providing pockets of luscious chocolate in each bite. For an extra touch, consider using chocolate chunks for a more rustic texture; they will create varied sizes and melting points that make each bite unique.

Customizing Your Granola Bars

One of the best aspects of these granola bars is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different nuts and seeds, such as chopped almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. Just remember that if you add extra ingredients, you may need to adjust the binding ingredients slightly to maintain the bar's cohesion. For instance, adding more oats or almond butter can help ensure the bars hold together, rather than crumbling apart.

If you're looking for a nut-free alternative, try substituting sunflower seed butter for the almond butter. It provides a similar texture while catering to those with nut allergies. Additionally, using agave syrup in place of honey or maple syrup can create a vegan version. Just be aware that each substitute might slightly alter the overall sweetness and texture, so adjust according to your taste.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying, so they regain their chewy texture.

These bars are not only a perfect snack on their own but also a great addition to your breakfast routine. Crumble them over yogurt or serve them with fresh fruit for a healthy morning meal. They can also be paired with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. Their flavor profile makes them suitable for various occasions, whether you’re packing them for lunch or serving them at a weekend gathering.

Ingredients

Granola Bar Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Mix all the ingredients well, and prepare to bake!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

Add Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine and Bake

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Fold in the dark chocolate chips. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and press down firmly. Bake for 20 minutes.

Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares or bars.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try experimenting with different nut butters or add dried fruits into the mix.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your granola bars are coming out too crumbly, it likely means the mixture wasn't packed tightly enough into the baking dish. Ensure you press down firmly with your hands or a spatula, and consider increasing the almond butter by a tablespoon or two in future batches to create a more cohesive texture.

On the other hand, if they become overly dense or hard, it may be a sign that you’ve baked them for too long. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking; they should be firm but still soft to the touch. Allowing them to cool in the pan will also help them set without becoming too hard.

Scaling the Recipe

Should you wish to make a larger batch for gatherings or meal prep, this recipe can easily be doubled. Simply use a larger baking dish, such as a 9x13 inch pan, and watch the baking time as it may need an extra 5-10 minutes, depending on thickness. Be sure to check for doneness by observing the edges turn golden brown and the center firm up before removing from the oven.

If you want to make a smaller batch, consider halving the ingredient amounts and using a smaller dish. A 5x7 inch pan works well for a delightful mini batch. Just remember to keep the baking time to 15 minutes, as smaller portions usually cook faster, ensuring they don't dry out.

Flavor Variations to Try

If you're looking for a flavor twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate and coconut flavors. A teaspoon of cinnamon can provide warmth, while sea salt will enhance sweetness, creating a delicious contrast in each bite. Just remember to balance it out, as too much salt can overpower the flavors.

You can also incorporate dried fruit into your granola bars for added sweetness and chewiness. Consider adding chopped dates or cranberries before baking. Just make sure to adjust the syrup quantity slightly if you're adding extra sweetness from dried fruits, ensuring your bars maintain the right consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze them for up to three months.

→ Are these granola bars gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats, then yes, these granola bars can be gluten-free.