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 almond butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars for a quick and satisfying snack. They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! I love how the rich chocolate and toasted coconut flavors complement each other, creating a treat that feels indulgent but is actually quite wholesome. With just a few simple ingredients and some time in the oven, I can whip up a batch to enjoy throughout the week. These bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:01:20.770Z

Making these Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars has become a delightful ritual for me, especially on Sunday afternoons. I love experimenting with the ratios of oats and chocolate, and finding the perfect balance. The addition of coconut not only gives them a crunchy texture but also adds a hint of tropical flavor that takes my taste buds on a mini vacation.

One essential tip I learned along the way is to let the bars cool completely before cutting them into rectangles. This ensures they hold together nicely and don’t crumble. Plus, they can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or packed into lunchboxes for an energizing boost!

        Why You Will Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with chewy coconut flakes
Nutritious and satisfying, perfect for energy on the go
Easily customizable with your favorite nuts or dried fruits

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of rolled oats and shredded coconut forms the base of these granola bars, providing both texture and heartiness. Rolled oats are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Shredded coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a chewy texture, balancing perfectly with the darker, richer elements of the recipe. Choosing unsweetened shredded coconut can help control the overall sweetness of your bars, giving you more control over the flavor profile.

Almond butter plays a crucial role in binding the ingredients together while adding a creamy richness. If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute it with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a similar texture and taste. Meanwhile, honey or maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener. They not only sweeten the bars but also help with the binding process, creating a cohesive mixture that holds up well in the oven.

Perfecting Your Technique

Pressing the mixture firmly into the baking dish is vital for achieving the right texture in your bars. If you don't pack them down tightly enough, they may crumble when you try to cut them. Use a flat spatula or even the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even layer without air pockets. Additionally, make sure not to overbake; the bars should be just golden brown with slightly soft centers to maintain chewiness.

Cooling the bars completely in the pan before cutting is another key step. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to slice without falling apart. If you find your bars are too crumbly after baking, it could be due to not enough binding ingredients or insufficient pressing during assembly. To remedy this in future batches, ensure you’re using the right quantities and consider adding an extra tablespoon of almond butter.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious bars:

Granola Bar Ingredients

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

Once your ingredients are ready, you can start making the bars!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the dark chocolate chips gently.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly and evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into bars and enjoy!

These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the almond butter with peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice. You can also add nuts or dried fruits for an extra boost!

Storage Tips

To keep your Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Individually wrap the bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer, and you can pull one out for a quick snack anytime.

Make sure to label your storage container with the date to prevent any confusion later on. When you're ready to enjoy a frozen bar, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

Creative Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans can enhance the crunch factor, while dried cranberries or chopped apricots can contribute a chewiness that contrasts nicely with the chocolate and coconut. Just be sure not to exceed the total volume of the other dry ingredients unless you're adjusting the wet ones to maintain the desired consistency.

Another delicious twist is to spice up the flavor profile. A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder can elevate the chocolate experience, making your bars even more indulgent. Adjusting the amount of chocolate chips is also an option; try substituting a portion of them with white chocolate chips for a fun color contrast and extra sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, just use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based chocolate.

→ How should I store the bars?

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

→ Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preferences.

→ How do I make them gluten-free?

Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.