Snack On the Go: Chewy Granola Bars with Chocolate, Oats and Toasted Coconut
Traveling to and from morning activities with my toddler always has me thinking about snack options that he can enjoy in the car. It seems like salty or sweet snacks win every time. In an effort to try something new I thought granola bars would be a perfect snack, especially the soft chewy variety. They are quick to make and easy to wrap up in a snack bag. The recipe I found called for almonds, however I did not have almonds on-hand and substituted unsweetened coconut flakes. Give this one a try, even you can enjoy them in the car even if your child opts for a salt snack that day.
Do you have a favorite car ride snack? Leave a comment below.
Recipe Adapted from: Inspired Taste
Ingredients
- 2.5 Cups - Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1/2 Cup - Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (optional)
- 1/3 Cup - Honey
- 1/4 Cup - Light Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Cup - Unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 Teaspoon - Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 Teaspoon - Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Cup - Dried Cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 Cup + 2 Tablespoons - Mini Chocolate Chips
Method
- Heat oven to 350 degrees
- On a large unlined cookie sheet sprinkle the oatmeal and coconut evenly across the surface
- Bake for 5 minutes, stir them, and bake for another 5 minutes or until they are lightly toasted. Place the toasted oats into a large bowl
- In a small sauce pan, add butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted and sugar is completely dissolved
- Pour the mixture over the toasted oats and mix. Let the granola mixture cool for 5 minutes
- In the meantime, line the bottom and sides of a 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly spray the surface with cooking spray
- Once granola mixture has cooled for 5 minutes, add the cranberries and 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- The chocolate will melt and aid in keeping the final granola bars together and chewy
- Pour the mixture into the prepared square pan
- Evenly spread out the mixture and PRESS the mixture down several times. This is the key to making them hold together
- Once pressed, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of mini- chocolate chips on top and press them into the mixture
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting
- Remove from pan and cut 12 granola bars. Serve and enjoy!
Additional Info
Nicole Bedard
Nicole is a professional photographer, mother to an energetic child, and founder of Make and Taste. She has been a Commercial, Editorial and Lifestyle photographer for 10 years and has been published in various magazines and brand websites. Nicole is passionate about providing her child with meaningful experiences and documenting all of the fun along the way. You can always find her baking with her 7 year old and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
