Healthy, oat-based and with no added sugar, these chocolate granola bars can be customized to your liking with add-ins for a nutritious gluten-free snack.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time40 minutesmins
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate granola bars, chocolate muesli bar, chocolate oat bars, homemade chocolate granola bars, how to make chocolate granola bars
Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper so that it hangs over the edges.
*Optional - spread oats on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes shaking the pan occasionally until just starting to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool a few minutes.
Transfer the cooled oats to a large bowl and add the dried fruit, nuts, cacao powder and salt, stir to mix.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla until smooth.
Fold in the chia seeds and cacao nibs if using until combined.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing into the corners and flattening the top.
Bake for 30 minutes, remove from oven and place on a rack to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the bars from the dish by lifting the edges of the parchment paper up and place directly on the rack until cooled completely.
Cut into 8 pieces and store wrapped tightly or in an air tight container. Bars will keep at room temperature for about 5 days or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Notes
*Any dried fruit (chopped if not the size of cherries) will work such as cranberries, apricots, figs, dates, blueberries, etc.)**Any blend of chopped nuts will work. Almonds and walnuts were used in this recipe.***Chia seeds and cacao nibs are optional. Use any add-ins you like up 1/4 cup.