Recipe

Chewy Cocoa Granola Bars

By: 

Co+op

Recipe Information

Total Time: 

50 minutes; 20 minutes active

Servings: 

12 bars

Chewy, nutty granola bars are perfect for packing in lunches or carrying along for anytime you need a boost.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats, thick
  • 1/2 cup raisins, dried cherries or other dried fruit
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds, walnuts or peanuts
  • 1/4 cup cocoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut a piece of parchment paper 8 inches wide, and place it in an 8” x 8” baking pan, with the edges hanging over to make handles for easy removal of the finished bars.
  2. On a sheet pan, spread the oats and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden in spots. Let cool on a rack.
  3. Place the cooled oats in a large bowl and add the dried fruit, nuts, cocoa and salt and stir to mix well.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, honey and vanilla. Stir until smooth, then pour over the oat mixture. Stir until well mixed, then spread in the prepared pan. Using a spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly in the pan.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, until the bars feel firm when pressed. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then use the parchment to lift the bars out and let cool completely. Cut 3-by-4 to make 12 bars. Store, tightly wrapped, for up to 4 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.

Tips & Notes

To make them vegan, opt for agave syrup instead of honey.

Nutritional Information

120 calories, 3.5 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 65 mg. sodium, 22 g. carbohydrate, 2 g. fiber, 2 g. protein