Do you ever find yourself in the middle of your healthy eating habits just wanting to eat something that tastes unhealthy? I’m not exactly a junk food addict, but I do like my extra-dark chocolate. Add in some coconut, and it’s even harder to turn it down.
What to I do when that situation arrives? Make almond joy granola bars! Hearty, crunchy granola bars that are filled with coconut, almonds, and dark chocolate! These granola bars are filling and make a healthy, sweet alternative to a dessert or candy bar.
With honey as the main sweetener, oats and oat bran as the base, and almonds stirred throughout, these granola bars are filled with fiber, protein, and iron. While they still have fat and sugar, these are a much healthier option than candy or other processed sweets and still taste just as “unhealthy”!
- 2 C regular oats
- ¼ C oat bran
- ¼ C whole wheat flour
- 1 C shredded coconut, toasted (You can use either sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 C almonds, chopped and toasted
- ½ C honey
- 3 tbsp brown sugar, optional
- ¾ C non-fat milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ C dark chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350. Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together oats, oat bran, whole wheat flour, coconut, and almonds. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, stir together honey, brown sugar, milk, butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium-low heat just until mixture starts to boil. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Remove from heat.
- Pour liquid mixture over dry ingredients and stir until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and press into bottom of dish. (Make sure to press mixture firmly into the pan as the bars could end up falling apart if you don't)
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges start to appear dry and golden brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
- Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.
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Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
Oh man, this is perfect! I have been on the search for the perfect granola bar to make for my hubby to take in his lunches and his FAVORITE candy bar is Almond Joy! He is going to go totally crazy for these and I love knowing that he is eating something healthy! Pinned!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
YES! These granola bars look so chewy and delicious and satisfying!
Taylor @ greens & chocolate says
Yes I find myself in that predicament every night – I have no problem eating a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner and then the chocolate monster in me comes out! These look like the perfect healthy snack or post-dinner dessert!
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen says
Almond Joys are one of my biggest weaknesses! I cannot resist chocolate, coconut & almonds. I’ve only made granola bars once, but I definitely need to give these a try!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Almond Joy is my favorite bar!! I love this idea!
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
oh goodness, these look SO good! i love all the flavors of an almond joy…and we all know homemade granola bars are the best 🙂
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
Story of my life! 🙂 I could definitely use a batch of these bars on hand when the next craving hits… like tonight.
Ashley says
I love the dark chocolate / coconut combo too – these sounds so delicious! And I’m the same way with wanting something that tastes bad for me but isn’t … these would definitely do the trick!
Meg says
Love the look and sound of these! Sometimes I just really, really crave chocolate — and no green leafy veggie is going to cut it. 🙂 I could see these being a good go-to snack or dessert.
Mercedes says
Coconut and chocolate is one of my favorite flavor combinations so I know I would love these Jessica! I totally know what you mean when you are trying so hard to be healthy but still want a little indulgence. These would be perfect for that craving!
Abby says
yes!! I’m always looking for desserts that are somewhat sinful, or healthy but don’t taste like it haha. Love the chocolate and coconut together!
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen says
These look great, granola bars are fabulous!
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
“Do you ever find yourself in the middle of your healthy eating habits just wanting to eat something that tastes unhealthy?” Sums me up just about every day! These look divine! I love granola bars and they are the perfect treat because to me they don’t even taste healthy!
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
Dark chocolate is my number one sweet craving – love these granola bars!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Fabulous bars inspired by one of my favorite candies! These look amazing, Jessica.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
I adore Almond Joys and these look fantastic!
Joanne says
These are totally perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, but in a no-guilt way! I adore chocolate and coconut together. They are just one of those perfect pairs!
Kely says
Almond Joys are one of my weaknesses and I love that you made these into healthier bars that I wouldn’t feel as guilty having! They sound fabulous!
Tanya Schroeder says
Jessica, these have so many wonderful ingredients! I need these for our busy weekends going from one kid activity to the next! They’d keep us going for sure! Pinning!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
Almond joys are one of my favorite candy bars, so the fact thatyou make them acceptable for snacking makes me oh so happy!
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
Almond joy + granola bars = a match made in heaven! It’s like I can have candy AND a satisfying, good-for-me snack all in one! 😀
Jocelyn@BruCrew Life says
My favorite candy bar in a granola bar.. What could be better?? 🙂 Love it!!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
Yum! My favorite candy bar turned into a granola bar!
Ramona says
I love almond joy candy bars… these granola bars sound great. 🙂
Emily @ Life on Food says
I have yet to make my own granola bars. Probably because I am not a big snacker. I cannot think of a better way to start though than with Almond Joy granola bars. I love chocolate and coconut. These look great!
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
Coming across this post late but so glad I stumbled across it. Pinning to make for my guys 🙂