Something exciting happened at our house last week. I made something with coconut that my husband liked! He does not like coconut. I, on the other hand, really like coconut. I’ve been trying all kinds of different ways to get him to like something that has coconut baked in it. And while he’ll eat it, he doesn’t say “This is good. I like this.” That phrase came out of his mouth last week when biting into one of these chocolate almond joy granola bars. Success!
The combination? Dark chocolate, toasted almonds and toasted coconut. How could you not like it?! These granola bars came about as a result of wanting something sweet to eat one afternoon. Of course, there wasn’t anything in the house that would satisfy, so I turned to homemade no bake granola bars. I usually am not one for sweets (in fact, I usually choose a salty snack over a sweet one.). I do, however, like my dark chocolate. Throw in some coconut and it’s even harder to resist.
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. So when you need something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these granola bars make a healthy, sweet alternative to a candy or dessert! (And even non-coconut lovers will like them!)
- 2¼ C old-fashioned (regular) or quick oats
- ¼ C oat or wheat bran
- ¼ C ground flaxseed
- ¼ C unsweetened baking cocoa
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ C honey
- ⅓ C almond butter or peanut butter
- ¼ C coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ C toasted shredded coconut
- ½ C toasted almonds, chopped
- ⅓ C dark chocolate chips
- Line a 9x9 or 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together oats, oat bran, flaxseed, unsweetened baking cocoa, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, melt together honey, almond/peanut butter, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until coconut oil is melted. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat.
- Pour over oat mixture and stir to coat. Stir in dark chocolate chips, almonds and shredded coconut. Some of the chocolate chips will melt and that's okay!
- Press mixture into prepared baking dish. Optional: Top with additional dark chocolate chips and shredded coconut.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours and cut into bars. Store in airtight container.
Aimee @ ShugarySweets says
I’m loving coconut this time of year…and this combo with the dark chocolate is fantastic!
June Burns says
What a great granola bar flavor! I just love making homemade energy bars, they’re always way better than store bought 🙂
Beth says
I am all over these, if I can have a healthy snack that tastes like an almond joy, I’ll be happy 🙂
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
These look so much better than the kind you would buy on the stores! And so much healthier than the candy bar! 😉 Pinned.
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
I love coconut as well but my husband doesn’t. These would be perfect for a snack.
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
These are my kind of granola bars! Chocolate, coconut and almonds is the best combination!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These granola bars look fantastic, Jessica! I love the almond joy flavor. Sounds delish!
Zainab says
Oh there is coconut so I am all in 😉
Jessica says
Yum, I should give these a try!
tanya says
I love every single ingredient in these bars, but coconut and dark chocolate really are a winning combination!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
These granola bars are perfect! Almond Joy anything totally has my heart!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I didn’t like coconut until my late twenties. I’m ashamed to even admit it, but it’s true. Now, I can’t get enough of the stuff. These bars look amazing. Pinned.
Tori@Gringalicious.com says
These look yummy! Love almond Joy anything!
Medha @ Whiak & Shout says
How does someone not like coconut!? Glad you converted you husband 🙂 These bars look like the way to do it.
Linda Bradshaw says
I had to print this recipe out! Yummy!
Jessica@A Kitchen Addiction says
I hope you like them!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I used to hate coconut and now it’s one of my favorite things. Glad you found something your husband enjoys coconut in. These bars look like they could sell a lot of people on coconut!
Ramona says
I pay a lot of money for granola bars… you have inspired me to give up the box and just make them myself. These look great. 🙂
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I love the combination of dark chocolate and toasted coconut. So divine! Great recipe.
RavieNomNoms says
Those look awesome! I cannot get my hubby to get into coconut, but he travels a lot so maybe I will just make a big batch for myself 😉
Ashley says
Doesn’t like coconut???? He’s crazy!! haha
These sound awesome – dark chocolate + coconut is such a good combo!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
honestly…who WOULDN’T love these granola bars??! so delish!