Almond Joy Granola Bars Recipe

Ever have a snack so good you want to call it a friend? Let me introduce you to my latest creation: these irresistibly crunchy, chocolate-kissed almond oat bars are the perfect treat to power you through your day with healthy vibes and sweet smiles.

My Almond Joy Granola Bars combine the wholesome good of oats and slivered almonds with the great taste of coconut and the richness of dark chocolate. Naturally sweetened with honey and packed with protein from almond butter, these bars are a fantastic snack.

They are loaded with enough nutrients to keep you energized for whatever you have planned, even if it’s just lounging on the couch.

Almond Joy Granola Bars Recipe Ingredients

• Oats: Provide fiber, help with digestion, and add a hearty base.
• Almonds: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and provides a chewy texture.
• Chocolate Chips: Infuse rich sweetness, balance nutty flavors.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners, binding ingredients together.

Almond Joy Granola Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 cup of oats (preferably old-fashioned rolled oats)
• 1 cup of almonds, chopped
• 1 cup of shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened according to preference)
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of almond butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

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How to Make this Almond Joy Granola Bars Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment.

2. Evenly distribute the oats and finely chopped almonds over the baking sheet. Place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 minutes. Stir them around halfway through to ensure even toasting. When you take them out, they should be lightly toasted and smelling very nutty. Set aside and allow to cool.

3. In a big mixing bowl, mix the toasted oats, almonds, and shredded coconut.

4. In a tiny saucepan over low heat, blend the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth. This is not a job for the food processor. You want the ingredients to heat slowly and not seize up. When smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

5. Place the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour the almond butter mixture over them and stir until everything is evenly coated.

6. Once you have allowed the mixture to cool a bit, you can gently fold in the chocolate chips.

7. An 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish is lined with parchment paper, with some hanging over the edges to facilitate removal.

8. Pack the granola mixture down firmly and evenly into the baking dish. It has to be pressed; there is no other way to achieve this result. You will know it is done when you see an even top on the granola. It is okay if this layer is somewhat thick. It is not okay for it to be lumpy. Aim for packing it down to about 1/2-inch thickness, but a little more is okay if you can’t get it to 1/2-inch without having an uneven top or if you simply don’t want to handle it any more than you already have.

9. Chill the granola mixture for a minimum of 1-2 hours, or until it is firm enough to hold its shape.

10. Once set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the granola slab out of the dish. Cut into bars of your desired size. These stay fairly fresh for about a week, but I can’t see any reason why they wouldn’t store well for longer since they seem very shelf-stable.

Almond Joy Granola Bars Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Small saucepan
8. Mixing spoon or spatula
9. 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish
10. Knife
11. Cutting board (optional)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?A: Although quick oats are usable, old-fashioned rolled oats give a chewier texture that works better in granola bars.
• Q: What can I use as a substitute for almond butter?A: Any nut butter, such as peanut butter or cashew butter, can take the place of almond butter. But the taste will be different.
• Q: Are these granola bars suitable for a vegan diet?A: Yes, substitute maple syrup for honey, and make sure your chocolate chips are vegan.
• Q: How should I store these granola bars after making them?A: Keep the bars in an enclosed container at room temp for up to a week for optimum freshness; for longer-lasting freshness, keep them in the fridge.
• Q: Can I add other ingredients like dried fruit or seeds?A: Of course! You can add dried fruits or seeds, just make sure the overall volume of add-ins stays balanced for binding.
• Q: Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?A: You can use either sweetened or unsweetened coconut, depending on how sweet you want it to be.
• Q: How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?To ensure that the mixture is well combined, press it firmly into the baking pan. This will help it hold its shape once it’s cooled.

Almond Joy Granola Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup of oats. For a gluten-free alternative, use quinoa flakes instead.
1 cup of almonds. Pecan or walnut may be used in place of almonds for a different nutty flavor.
1 cup of shredded coconut: Replace with chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
1/2 cup of chocolate chips: Substitute with dark chocolate chunks for a richer taste.
1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup: Use agave syrup in place of honey or maple syrup, and you have an entirely different taste profile. Agave syrup is sweeter than both honey and maple syrup. While it has a very mild flavor, it is also packed with more fructose and fewer nutrients than honey. The mild taste and sweetness of agave syrup make it an excellent substitute for honey or maple syrup in most recipes.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Toasted Coconut For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the shredded coconut alongside the oats and almonds. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and add it to the mixture while still warm for a fuller taste profile.

2. Customize Sweetness and Texture If you find the mixture too crumbly or not binding well, consider adding an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. This will enhance both sweetness and the binding capability, creating firmer, more cohesive bars.

3. Chill for Clean Cuts To achieve clean edges when cutting the granola bars, chill the mixture longer—up to overnight if possible. Use a sharp knife, preferably dipped in hot water and wiped dry, to make slicing easier and reduce crumbling.

4. Add Mix-ins for Variety For added texture and flavor variations, consider mixing in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins after folding in the chocolate chips. Just ensure the bars still pack tightly and hold together.

5. Store with Separation To prevent bars from sticking together, layer them with parchment paper or wax paper when storing. This will also help maintain their freshness and texture for longer periods.