Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe

If you’re searching for a snack that’s both satisfyingly sweet and wholesome, you’re going to love this Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe. These bars have been my go-to for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or even a kid-friendly lunchbox treat. I absolutely love how they combine that perfect crunch from the oats with melty, sweet chocolate chips that make your taste buds sing.

When I first tried these bars, I was surprised at how simple they were to whip up, yet they delivered a homemade quality you just don’t get from store-bought options. You’ll find that this recipe hits a lovely balance between healthy ingredients and dessert-like indulgence – making them worth every bite and perfect for any time you need a quick energy boost.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients play nicely together to create chewy, hold-together granola bars that aren’t too sweet. I like using whole wheat flour because it adds a little nutty depth, but you can use whatever you have handy.

• Old fashioned oats: They add hearty texture and are the base of your bars.
• Whole wheat flour: Provides structure and extra fiber; you can swap for all-purpose or gluten-free flour if needed.
• Shredded unsweetened coconut: Adds a tropical hint and chewiness without extra sugar.
• Brown sugar: Balances the honey with a subtle molasses flavor.
• Chocolate chips: The highlight—melts just right and provides that rich chocolatey goodness.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Vegetable oil (or canola, avocado, etc.): Keeps the bars moist and helps them bind.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener and binder, giving a chewy finish.

Variations

I love switching things up based on what’s in my pantry or mood. You should feel free to personalize the Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs—this flexibility is what makes it so great for everyday baking.

• Dried Fruit Swap: When I want a less sugary but still sweet bite, I replace chocolate chips with raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried cherries, which add chewiness and natural sweetness.
• Nutty Add-ins: Try tossing in chopped nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of whole wheat flour—I’ve done this plenty of times and the bars still turn out amazing.
• Flavor Tweaks: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a little orange zest to give a fresh twist I’ve experimented with during the holidays.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe

Step 1: Mix dry ingredients thoroughly

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, combine the oats, whole wheat flour, shredded coconut, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and kosher salt. Stir these together so everything is evenly distributed. This is important because it ensures each bar has that perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your oil, vanilla extract, and honey until everything is smooth and blended. I discovered this makes it easier to evenly coat the dry ingredients, which helps the bars stick together well.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Pour your wet mixture over the oats and stir thoroughly to coat all the dry ingredients. It might look a bit crumbly at first, but keep mixing until you see the oats and sugar clumping together. This means your bars will hold form when baked.

Step 4: Shape and bake

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the granola mixture out into a neat rectangle roughly 13 x 9 inches and about 1 inch thick. Press down firmly—this step is my secret weapon to bars that don’t fall apart. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the center still feels slightly soft.

Step 5: Cool and cut

Cool completely on the baking sheet—this can take about an hour, but it’s crucial. If you slice too soon, the bars will crumble. Once cooled, cut into 3 x 1 inch bars. You’ll love how firm yet chewy they are.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish, especially if they’re part of a brunch spread. Sometimes, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a spread of nut butter takes these bars from snack to decadent dessert in seconds.

Side Dishes

These bars go wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack. For a more complete breakfast, pair them with fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait — I like layering berries and a bit of granola alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, I like wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine. You can also cut them into bite-size squares, arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit, and drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel to impress guests effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover granola bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. They stay fresh and chewy for up to several weeks at room temperature, which is perfect if you like to batch-make snacks for the week.

Freezing

Freezing these bars has been a game changer for me. Just pop them wrapped in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 4 months. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes — they taste just as fresh as the day you made them!

Reheating

If you want a warm treat, I reheat bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven covered with foil for 5 minutes. This softens them slightly and brings out the melty chocolate goodness again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe because it’s just so reliably tasty and easy. Every time I pull a batch from the oven, the house fills with that wonderful aroma of toasted oats and chocolate, which feels like a warm hug. You’ll really enjoy making this your staple go-to for a wholesome snack that feels like a treat – trust me, once you try it, it becomes a permanent favorite.

Print