Double Chocolate Granola Bars

5 from 1 vote

Homemade double chocolate granola bars are the perfect sweet treat to meal prep for easy snacks! This no-bake recipe is gluten-free, vegetarian, and so easy!

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Chill + Resting Time4 15

Total Time4 27

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: bars

Calories: 194kcal

Author: Denise Bustard

Ingredients

½ cup honey 156 g; note 1
⅓ cup coconut oil 74 g; note 2
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
3 cups rolled oats 284 g; note 3
¼ cup mini chocolate chips 45 g

Instructions

Simmer - Combine honey and coconut oil in a medium pot. Bring to a simmer, and once pot starts bubbling up all over, start the timer for 1 minute. (See note 4)
Rest - When time is up, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, cocoa powder. Let it cool down for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare Pan- While the pot is cooling, prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper (binder clips and a spritz of oil can help hold it in place).
Add dry ingredients - After the mixture has cooled for 10-15 minutes, stir in the oats and chocolate chips until evenly coated. (*see note 5) Use a spatula to mix it in evenly. The chocolate chips might melt, but that's OK- it helps hold the bars together.
Press into pan -Press the granola bar mixture into the pan - HARD. You want to do multiple rounds with your spatula. You can also pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes, and do a second round of pressing. This is key to prevent bars from crumbling. Scatter a few extra chocolate chips into the top of the bars and press them in gently.
Chill- Cool in the fridge for 4 hours- overnight (overnight is best!), before slicing into bars.

Notes

Maple syrup may not be substituted. Other sweeteners have not been tested.
Refined coconut oil recommended for a less coconut-prominent flavor.
Also called 'large flake' or 'old fashioned'. Quick oats or steel cut oats will not work in this recipe.
Make sure to take the time to simmer the mixture for 1 minute! This is extremely important in helping the bars stick together.
If the bars are too warm to press down thoroughly, place in the fridge for 10 minutes, then press them down a second time.

Storage

fridge - stored in an airtight container, they are good for 1 week in the fridge.
freezer - wrap loosely in parchment paper, and place in a meal prep container or sturdy freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition