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
- 1/4 C oat bran
- 1/4 C whole wheat flour
- 1 C shredded coconut, toasted (You can use either sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 C almonds, chopped and toasted
- 1/2 C honey
- 3 tbsp brown sugar, optional
- 3/4 C non-fat milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 C dark chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with [url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006G937?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00006G937&linkCode=xm2&tag=akitadd-20″ target=”_blank”]parchment paper[/url] 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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Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen
Monday 31st of March 2014
Coming across this post late but so glad I stumbled across it. Pinning to make for my guys :)
Emily @ Life on Food
Wednesday 5th of February 2014
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!
Ramona
Sunday 26th of January 2014
I love almond joy candy bars... these granola bars sound great. :)
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures
Friday 24th of January 2014
Yum! My favorite candy bar turned into a granola bar!
Jocelyn@BruCrew Life
Friday 24th of January 2014
My favorite candy bar in a granola bar.. What could be better?? :) Love it!!