Chewy Coconut Oil Granola Bars are an easy no-bake afternoon snack or lunch box addition. Plus, they last nearly a month in the fridge and even longer in the freezer, so make a batch today and be set for awhile if you can restrain yourself. š
I am so excited about these chewy granola bars, you guys! They are simply the best. I’ve shared other granola bar recipes on my blog before, but these take the cake. Literally. I think I’d have one before I had a piece of cake, if only because they are healthy AND chocolately at the same time. Win win, I say!
In the past, homemade chewy granola bars just haven’t cut it for me because they’ve included ingredients I want to avoid on a normal basis [corn syrup] or because they’ve been so full of liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup that they’ve just been sticky and hard to eat on the go. So one day I was thinking about what could make chewy granola bars better [I’m in the car alot… this is what I do when I’m not paying attention to my book on CD–ha!] and it dawned on me. Coconut oil! Duh. Everyone’s favorite trendy all-purpose health/beauty/cooking product of choice these days.Ā So I gave it a whirl and was SO pleased with the results. These granola bars hold together well, are easy to cut, and just taste amazing. For those who are curious… they don’t really taste much like coconut, for better or worse–it’s just a hint, and it’s almost more the smell than anything.
When you make them–note that I said “when,” not “if”–be sure to follow the instructions to a T in regard to boiling the honey, brown sugar, and salt. It’s similar to making candy in that you need the mixture to come to a boil so that it gets to the soft ball stage to set. Then you just mix everything up, add your mix-ins, and spread it in the pan. Simple! For this batch, my mix-ins were chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chunks. There’s just something about dark chocolate chunks that makes everything better, righttt?! It practically goes without saying, but you can obviously use whatever dried fruit or nuts or chocolate suits your fancy. I think I might make a batch this weekend and have some white chocolate chips burning a hole in my pantry! š
When you take these yummy chewy granola bars to work or your kids take them to school, I guarantee that they’ll be the talk of the lunchroom. They look pretty similar to the storebought kind, but just have a homemade appeal that will make people super jealous. Ben’s even shared some with his colleagues to spread the love… the granola bar love, that is! Enjoy, friends! Happy Friday! š
one year ago: Oreo Popcorn
two years ago: Cilantro Lime Hummus
three years ago: Tangy Chicken Pasta
Chewy Coconut Oil Granola Bars
[adapted slightly from Money Saving Mom]
- 2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed [or wheat germ, wheat bran, or more rolled oats]
- 1/2 cup mix-ins of your choice [I used 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts–you can use dried fruit, nuts, coconut, etc.]
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- dash of salt
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
Directions:
Line a 9×13 pan with aluminum foil or wax paper, and grease well with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir together cereal, oats, flaxseed, and mix-ins. In a saucepan, stir together honey, brown sugar, and salt. Turn heat onto medium-low, then stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 60 seconds, then remove from heat and gently mix in coconut oil and peanut butter [be careful of splashes!]. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon. Pour wet ingredients over the dry and mix to combine.
Press mixture into prepared pan, then evenly distribute chocolate chunks over top. If you mix the chocolate in, it will melt. Press into granola mixture with a spatula then cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to set. Cut into bars and wrap in aluminum foil or wax paper for easy transport. Granola bars freeze well and stay fresh in the refrigerator.
Linked up with: Weekend Potluck.
The Pajama Chef 
Yummmmm! These look great. I have definitely never made granola bars before!
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thanks emily!
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I just made no bake bars! They’re so much fun. Yours look like they turned out great. Love a good chocolate chunk š
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thanks erica! i’ll have to check yours out too!
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Loving the new site!! And loving these granola bars – they look perfect!
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thank you, cate!
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I like the new look! I’m excited about these bars b/c I’ve made a lot of fails in an attempt to create a yummy chewy no-bake granola bar. I never got it right. Thank you -I will be making these!
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well, i hope they are just what you’ve been searching for, veronica! š let me know if you try them!
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OK, I made them and I love them! I made a peanut butterscotch version and plan to try many others! These were SO easy I was able to make them while Joshua was awake and they were done before he could fuss too much. LOL!
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so happy to hear this…and i LOVE the idea of butterscotch chips in them. stealing it! š
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I love granola bars. Always the best snacks for quick energy lift. These chewy bars are amazing. I love the use of coconut oil.
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thanks!
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I’ve made similar variations of these and always love them!! Those giant chocolate chunks are perfect!
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thank you, natalie!
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These look fabulous and I love how long they last too so you can make a batch and they are great for breakfast or snacks on the go for a while!
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thanks stephanie!
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Thank you so much for this recipe. My family and I love these bars. I am not a good baker at all and these were so easy to make. This is a keeper recipe.
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It’s my pleasure, Rebeka! I’m glad you enjoyed the granola bars. I made a batch yesterday with peanuts, butterscotch chips, & chocolate chips. This recipe is definitely a keeper- and so versatile! Enjoy, and thanks for letting me know how they turned out!
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I love the idea of making our own granola bars for back to school treats! Thanks so much for sharing at Celebrate365!
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thanks, carlee! i appreciate you hosting!
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