Looking for a delicious and wholesome snack that you can enjoy on the go or whenever you need a quick burst of energy? These homemade Coconut Granola Bars are the perfect solution! Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with coconut flavor, these bars are not only easy to make but also a great way to satisfy your cravings in a healthy manner. Let’s dive into the recipe and whip up a batch of these delightful treats.
**Coconut Granola Bars**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
– 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, and chopped almonds. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
3. **Prepare the Wet Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, heat the honey, coconut oil, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. **Combine the Mixtures:** Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix everything together until the oats, coconut, and almonds are evenly coated with the honey mixture.
5. **Add the Extras:** Fold in the chopped dried apricots and mini chocolate chips (if using) into the mixture. These add extra sweetness and bursts of flavor to the granola bars.
6. **Press into the Baking Dish:** Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish, ensuring a compact and uniform layer.
7. **Bake:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
8. **Cool and Cut:** Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely in the dish. This helps them set and hold their shape. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the dish. Place them on a cutting board and slice into individual bars.
9. **Store and Enjoy:** Store the Coconut Granola Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert whenever the craving strikes!
These Coconut Granola Bars are not only delicious and satisfying but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top. Get creative and enjoy the wholesome goodness of these homemade bars any time of the day!
