Chocolate Chip Coconut No-Bake Granola Bars

4.3
(3)
3 Reviews
2 Photos

I was looking for a way to have healthier snacks on hand for my kids lunches and on the go snacking. This recipe can be modified to include fruit instead of the chocolate. The date paste helps hold it together nicely and dates are known as nature's candy. No refined sugar except for in the chocolate chips. You could include carob chips or whatever kind of chips your kids like. The dried fruit version is yummy as well!

Submitted by Barbara Ortiz
Published on October 1, 2019
2
Prep Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
25
Yield:
25 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 25 servings

  • 12 ounces dates, pitted

  • ¼ cup water, or as needed

  • 3 cups rolled oats

  • 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

  • 2 cups miniature chocolate chips

  • 1 ½ cups whole raw almonds

  • ⅔ cup pumpkin seeds

  • ½ cup salted sunflower seeds

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 cup almond butter

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with waxed paper so that the paper hangs over the edges of dish.

  2. Combine dates and water in a food processor or blender; process until a paste forms, adding more water if needed to thin it.

  3. Combine oats, coconut, chocolate chips, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add date paste, almond butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract; mix, using your hands, until wet ingredients are fully incorporated.

  4. Press mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with another piece of waxed paper and press down using a can or mini roller. Freeze for 1 hour.

  5. Remove dish from freezer and lift out of dish using the edges of the waxed paper. Cut into 25 squares.

Cook's Notes:

I couldn't find date paste so I made my own. If you can find it already prepared that would be one less step to follow.

Bars are best kept wrapped individually for on-the-go healthy snacking. Does not need refrigeration, but my kids like them cold and I keep them in one of the drawers of my fridge so they can grab them with a yogurt or applesauce when they're making their lunches.

I used a large metal spatula to cut versus a knife.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

345 Calories
23g Fat
34g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 25
Calories 345
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 8g 41%
Sodium 51mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 6g 22%
Total Sugars 19g
Protein 8g 15%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 72mg 6%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 409mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.