Chocolate Fruits and Berries Granola Bars Homemade Recipe

chocolate fruits and berries granola bars

Introduction: The Joy of Chocolate, Fruits, and Berries Granola Bars

I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe for Chocolate, Fruits, and Berries Granola Bars during my quest for a wholesome yet indulgent snack. The fusion of rich chocolate, vibrant fruits, and juicy berries had me intrigued, and after trying it out, it quickly became a household favorite.

These homemade granola bars are perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast on-the-go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these bars, and I’m excited to share both my experience and the recipe with you.

Why I Like This Recipe and Why You’ll Want to Try It

chocolate fruits and berries granola bars on plate

What sets these granola bars apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of rolled oats, chocolate chips, and an array of dried fruits and nuts creates a delightful symphony of taste in every bite.

The sweet notes of honey or maple syrup blend seamlessly with the nutty richness of almond or peanut butter. It’s a snack that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients to keep you energized throughout the day. 

Plus, making these bars at home allows you to customize them to your liking, whether you prefer extra nuts, different dried fruits, or a hint of coconut. Once you try these homemade granola bars, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought alternatives.

Also see: Are Nestle Buncha Crunch Bar Discontinued?

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried blueberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these delectable granola bars:

Prepare the Pan:

Line the bottom and sides of a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, dried apricots, dried blueberries, chopped almonds, and shredded coconut. Mix them thoroughly.

Prepare the Binding Mixture:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), almond (or peanut) butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take about 2–3 minutes.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Pour the hot honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.

Press into the Pan:

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly and evenly into the pan. Make sure it’s tightly packed.

Chill and Set:

Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours or until the granola mixture is firm and set.

Cut into Bars:

Once set, lift the granola slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhangs. Place it on a cutting board, and use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 bars.

Store and Enjoy:

Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Enjoy the wholesome goodness of these chocolate, fruit, and Berries Granola Bars whenever you need a tasty, nutritious snack or a quick breakfast option. They’re not only easy to make but also a delightful treat for your taste buds.

chocolate fruits and berries granola bars

Chocolate Fruits and Berries Granola Bars Homemade Recipe

Delight in the fusion of rich chocolate, vibrant fruits, and juicy berries with these homemade granola bars. These bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, snacking, or a quick energy boost. Whip up a batch in just 30 minutes and enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks.
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Global Fusion
Servings 12 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • 9×9-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup dried apricots chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried blueberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pan:

  • Line the bottom and sides of the 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, dried apricots, dried blueberries, chopped almonds, and shredded coconut. Mix them thoroughly.

Prepare the Binding Mixture:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), almond (or peanut) butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Pour the hot honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.

Press into the Pan:

  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly and evenly into the pan. Make sure it’s tightly packed.

Chill and Set:

  • Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the granola mixture is firm and set.

Cut into Bars:

  • Once set, lift the granola slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhangs. Place it on a cutting board, and use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 bars.

Store and Enjoy:

  • Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

Tips:
  • Customize your granola bars by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
  • For a nut-free version, use sunflower butter instead of almond or peanut butter.
  • You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top of the bars for an extra decadent touch.
 
Nutrition (per serving):
  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
Keyword bars

FAQs on Chocolate Fruits and Berries Granola Bars Homemade Recipe

Are these granola bars suitable for kids?

Yes, they make a great, healthy snack for kids. Just be mindful of nut allergies if sending them to school.

Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra protein boost.

What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?

A sharp knife dipped in hot water will help you achieve clean cuts without the bars sticking.

Are these granola bars vegan?

Yes, they can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I substitute fresh berries for dried ones?

Fresh berries contain more moisture, which may affect the texture. Stick to dried berries for this recipe.

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