Chewy Coconut Oatmeal Granola Bars
These Chewy Coconut Oatmeal Granola Bars are a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that deliver both flavor and nutrition. Inspired by beloved granola recipes and lactation cookies, these bars are perfect for anyone looking for a nut-free, energizing snack. Bursting with the goodness of oats, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate chips, they provide a rich source of fiber and energy, making them ideal for busy days or a quick breakfast on the go. Enjoy these bars at home, in lunchboxes, or during outdoor adventures – they are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling full and energized!
30
Servings
115
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oatmeal
4 cups (not instant)
Flour
2 cups
Coconut
1/2 cup (shredded)
Raisins
1/2 cup
Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup (dark or semi-sweet)
Flax Seeds
3 tablespoons (ground for better absorption)
Wheat Germ
1 tablespoon
Sugar
1/8 cup (or to taste)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup
Honey
3/4 cup (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, flour, shredded coconut, raisins, chocolate chips, ground flax seeds, wheat germ, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Pour in the vegetable oil and honey (or maple syrup). Use your hands to mix everything together until fully combined, and the mixture is sticky. It may be helpful to lightly grease your hands with oil to prevent sticking.
4
Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The bars should look soft in the center when you take them out; be careful not to overbake as they will harden when cooled.
6
Allow the granola bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. While still warm, cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
7
Once completely cooled, remove from the pan using the parchment paper, and store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
5.4g
Fat
16.4g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chewy Coconut Oatmeal Granola Bars?
These bars are a delightful blend of oatmeal, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate chips, designed to be a nut-free and energizing snack.
Are these granola bars safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, these bars are specifically described as a nut-free snack, making them ideal for school lunchboxes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 30 servings.
Can I make these granola bars vegan?
Yes, by using maple syrup instead of honey, you can make these bars suitable for a vegan diet.
What type of oatmeal should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of oatmeal that is not instant.
What is the calorie count for one granola bar?
Each serving contains approximately 115 calories.
Are these granola bars suitable for an egg-free diet?
Yes, these bars are categorized as egg-free.
How much fat is in each bar?
There are 5.4 grams of fat per serving.
What are the main dry ingredients?
The dry ingredients include oatmeal, flour, shredded coconut, raisins, chocolate chips, ground flax seeds, wheat germ, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the granola bars bake?
Bake the bars for 15 to 20 minutes until the center is soft.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use either dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Why should I use ground flax seeds?
The recipe suggests using ground flax seeds for better nutrient absorption.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of sugar, or you can adjust it to taste.
What keeps the ingredients together?
A combination of 3/4 cup vegetable oil and 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup acts as the binding agent.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
After combining the dry and wet ingredients, use your hands to mix until the mixture is sticky.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly grease your hands with oil before mixing to prevent sticking.
Should I let the bars cool before cutting?
Allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes, but cut them into bars while they are still warm.
How should I store the finished granola bars?
Store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Are these bars high in protein?
Each bar contains 1.6 grams of protein.
What makes these bars 'lactation friendly'?
They are inspired by lactation cookies and contain ingredients like oatmeal, flax seeds, and wheat germ.
How many carbohydrates are in one bar?
There are 16.4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What happens if I overbake the bars?
The bars will harden when cooled, so it is important to take them out while the center is still soft.
Can I use a different size pan?
The recipe is optimized for a 9x13 inch baking pan.
What is the purpose of wheat germ in this recipe?
Wheat germ adds nutritional value and is part of the wholesome ingredient blend.
Are these bars suitable for a quick breakfast?
Yes, they provide a rich source of fiber and energy, making them ideal for breakfast on the go.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
While the recipe calls for vegetable oil, you could theoretically use other neutral oils, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Is there a specific way to remove the bars from the pan?
Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan.
Do these bars contain salt?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.