Irresistibly Chewy Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars: Your Go-To Homemade Snack
There’s nothing quite like a homemade snack to brighten your day, and these Chewy Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are an absolute game-changer. Imagine a perfectly chewy texture, bursting with the tropical essence of coconut and the comforting sweetness of chocolate chips. These aren’t just easy to make; they’re incredibly versatile, serving as a perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings, a satisfying pick-me-up during the day, or a delightful addition to any lunchbox. Say goodbye to store-bought bars filled with unknown ingredients and embrace the wholesome goodness of these handcrafted treats.
The Sweet Balance of Socializing and Self-Care
In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in responsibilities, especially when it comes to family. While prioritizing loved ones is paramount, finding time for personal rejuvenation and connections outside the immediate family unit is equally vital. Just a few nights ago, I had the pleasure of gathering with a group of sixteen wonderful girlfriends at a local restaurant. The laughter was abundant, the food was delicious, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. It was one of those nights that leave you feeling completely relaxed, refreshed, and ready to tackle whatever comes next. These moments of connection are so important for recharging our batteries.
It’s in these busy stretches that the need for simple, wholesome solutions becomes clear. Whether you’re heading out for a social evening, preparing for a hectic workday, or ensuring your family has nutritious options, having readily available snacks can make all the difference. That’s where homemade treats like these Chewy Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars truly shine. They offer a comforting, energy-boosting solution that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, ensuring you have more time for those precious moments of connection and self-care.
Why Homemade Granola Bars Are Always the Best Choice
Making snacks from scratch has become a cherished tradition in our household. Homemade granola bars, energy bars, and protein bars are always a huge hit. My nine-year-old son, especially, gets incredibly excited when he discovers I’ve whipped up a fresh batch of his favorite treats. He loves them after school, tucked into his lunchbox, or even as a quick part of his breakfast. The joy of knowing I’m providing him with something delicious, nutritious, and free from the artificial additives often found in packaged bars is truly fulfilling. These Chewy Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars have quickly risen to the top of his favorites list.
The benefits of homemade snacks extend far beyond just taste. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose high-quality, wholesome components. This means no unpronounceable chemicals, excessive sugars, or unwanted preservatives. Plus, customizing flavors and textures to suit your family’s preferences becomes effortless. It’s also often more cost-effective to make your own, stretching your grocery budget further. These granola bars, in particular, offer a wonderful combination of fiber, natural sweetness, and satisfying texture, making them a healthier alternative that everyone will love.
Crafting Your Perfect Granola Bar: Ingredients and Customization
The foundation of these incredible bars lies in a few simple, wholesome ingredients. We start with whole wheat flour, which adds a subtle nutty flavor and a boost of fiber, making these bars more satisfying than those made with refined flour. The star ingredients, of course, are your favorite granola, flaky shredded coconut, and decadent chocolate chips. Choosing a high-quality granola is key to the texture and flavor, whether you opt for a plain oat-based variety or one with nuts and seeds. The shredded coconut not only adds a delightful chewiness but also a rich, tropical aroma that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
While chocolate chips are our family’s undeniable favorite – because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love chocolate? – these bars are wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to unleash your creativity with various mix-ins! I’ve experimented with dried cranberries, plump raisins, and even chewy apricots, all yielding fantastic results. Other great options include chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats, or a sprinkle of chia or flax seeds for extra nutritional value. When adjusting your mix-ins, remember that items like chocolate chips contribute sweetness, so you might want to slightly reduce or increase the honey to achieve your preferred balance. A good starting point is to taste the dough before baking (just a tiny bit!) and adjust as needed. This flexibility ensures that every batch can be tailored to exactly what your family loves most.
Chewy Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
16
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
-
1 cup white whole wheat flour -
1 teaspoon baking powder -
1/2 teaspoon salt -
1/2 cup honey -
1/4 cup canola oil -
2 Tablespoons skim milk -
2 large eggs -
1 1/2 cups granola -
3/4 cup chocolate chips, (or other mix-ins) -
1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Spray a 13×9 inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk briefly to ensure all dry ingredients are well distributed. Set this mixture aside.
-
In a separate, large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, canola oil, skim milk, and eggs until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. This liquid base will bind all the ingredients together.
-
Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to a tougher bar.
-
Gently fold in the granola, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut. Ensure these delicious add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Spread the sticky dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. The dough will be quite sticky, so using damp hands or a piece of parchment paper on top can help you press it out smoothly and uniformly.
-
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bars are set in the middle and the edges have turned a beautiful golden brown. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
-
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This is crucial for achieving clean, neat slices and maintaining their chewy texture.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1
g
|
Calories:
215
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
29
g
|
Protein:
5
g
|
Fat:
10
g
|
Saturated Fat:
3
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
7
g
|
Cholesterol:
24
mg
|
Sodium:
137
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
18
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
Snack Recipes
American
16
215
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Tips for Success and Storage
Achieving that perfect chewy texture and ensuring your granola bars hold together beautifully requires a few key tips. First, don’t skip spraying your baking pan. These bars are delightfully sticky, and a good layer of non-stick spray (or lining with parchment paper) will save you a lot of effort when it comes to removal. When pressing the dough into the pan, dampening your hands slightly can prevent sticking and help you create an even layer, which is essential for uniform baking. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; the edges should just begin to turn a light golden brown, indicating they are set but still soft in the center.
The most crucial step for the best chewy results and clean cuts is patience. Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice them. Cooling solidifies the binding agents, ensuring they maintain their shape and don’t crumble. Once cooled, you can easily cut them into desired sizes. Store your homemade Chewy Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, individually wrap them and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick and wholesome treat!
Understanding the Nutritional Value
Knowing what goes into your food is empowering. The nutrition information provided in the recipe card gives you an approximation of the macros and micros in each serving of these Chewy Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. With 215 calories per serving, they offer a substantial energy boost. The balance of carbohydrates (29g) from the flour, granola, honey, and chocolate, along with protein (5g) and healthy fats (10g, including polyunsaturated fats), makes them a well-rounded snack. The fiber content (3g) from the whole wheat flour and granola contributes to satiety and digestive health.
While the sugar content is noted at 18g, much of this comes from natural sources like honey and the sweetness in the chocolate chips. As mentioned earlier, you have the flexibility to adjust the amount of honey or choose less sweetened granola and chocolate chips to further reduce sugar if desired. Remember that this nutritional breakdown is an estimate, and actual values may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Overall, these bars offer a delicious and more controlled alternative to many commercially available options, giving you peace of mind with every bite.
Loved this recipe? Share your thoughts below!
Discover More Delicious Snack Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed making these Chewy Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our easy and wholesome snack ideas. From energizing bites to delightful bars, there’s always something new to try and love in your kitchen.
Chocolate Oat Bites
Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Granola Bars
Ready for even more culinary inspiration? Browse through my comprehensive Recipe Index for countless snack ideas and full meals. Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest to discover a continuous stream of new and exciting recipes!