Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars

Name: Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars because they're the perfect blend of indulgent flavor and wholesome ingredients. Each bite offers a delightful crunch complemented by the rich taste of chocolate and the tropical essence of coconut. This recipe is not only super easy to whip up but also perfect for on-the-go snacking or a sweet treat after dinner. Whenever I prepare these bars, they never last long, and my family always asks for more!

Created by

Evelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:37:12.632Z

When I first experimented with making these Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars, I didn’t expect them to turn out so delicious! I tried balancing sweetness with the hearty texture of oats, and I was thrilled with the results. Adding shredded coconut was the game-changer that took these bars to the next level, creating a chewy yet crunchy bite that I couldn't resist.

One of my favorite tips is to let the mixture cool a bit before pressing it into the pan. This helps the chocolate chips maintain their shape rather than melting completely, making every bar visually appealing and even more enjoyable. These bars have become a staple in my kitchen, and I know you'll love them just as much!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor perfectly balanced with coconut sweetness
Nutty crunch from wholesome oats with a chewy texture
Great for meal prepping and perfect for snacks on the go

      

Ingredient Insights

The combination of rolled oats and shredded coconut not only provides a hearty texture but also offers a nutritional boost. Oats are high in fiber, helping to keep you full longer, while coconut adds a unique tropical flavor and healthy fats. If you prefer a different texture, feel free to swap out the shredded coconut for chopped dried fruits like apricots or figs for a sweeter note.

Almond butter is a star ingredient here, contributing creaminess and a slight nuttiness. You can easily substitute it with any nut or seed butter you have on hand, such as peanut or sunflower seed butter. Just ensure that your butter is creamy and not overly chunky to maintain the binding properties necessary for the bars to hold together well.

Perfecting Texture and Flavor

For an optimal crunch versus chew balance, make sure to press the mix firmly into the baking dish. Using a rubber spatula or your hands works wonders. If the mixture is too loose, your bars may crumble once cooled. A tip I've learned is to score the bars lightly before baking, which helps when cutting them later into perfect squares.

Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the exact dimensions of your baking dish. You want to watch for a golden edge and a slight firmness when you press down gently. Don't worry if they seem a little soft right out of the oven; they will firm up as they cool.

Ingredients

Granola Bar Ingredients

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

Mix all the ingredients well before pressing into the pan.

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and salt.

Heat Wet Ingredients

In a small saucepan, heat the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Combine and Add Chocolate

Pour the heated mixture over the dry ingredients, add the vanilla extract, and mix well. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.

Transfer to Pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.

Store bars in an airtight container for freshness.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, mix in some dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. You can also swap out almond butter for peanut butter to suit your taste.

Storing and Freezing

Once your Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just layer them with parchment paper and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer — simply thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy an easy snack.

If you notice the bars starting to lose their crunch after a few days, simply pop them back in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh them. This will help revive their texture and bring back that delightful crunch!

Variations to Try

One fun variation is to experiment with different mix-ins. Consider adding dried fruits, seeds, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an additional flavor layer. You could also swap the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or even a vegan chocolate alternative if you want to cater to specific dietary needs.

If you're feeling a bit adventurous, try adding a touch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without being overwhelmingly coffee-like. Just half a teaspoon mixed into your dry ingredients can offer a wonderful depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of coconut.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these granola bars gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free rolled oats.

→ How do I store the granola bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for two weeks.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! They freeze well; just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

→ What can I substitute for almond butter?

You can use any nut or seed butter, like peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, depending on your preference.