Chewy Granola Bars

These chewy granola bars are definitely something you won’t regret making! Made with no refined sugar and layered with rich, decadent flavors, these granola bars are the perfect snack.

Everyone who tries these chewy granola bars loves them, and I know that you will too. These granola bars are great for packing in lunches, bringing to the beach or pool, bringing on a road trip and/or camping, and more!

Additionally, these chewy granola bars are perfect for making ahead of time and saving! In fact, they stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. I go more into how to store the granola bars below.

Lastly, I am an Orthodox Christian and we fast during the week on Wednesdays and Fridays and also before Christmas and Easter. So having a protein-rich, meat and dairy free snack, is essential for us!

Why I love this chewy granola bars recipe

Easy to make: Who knew granola bars could be so easy to make? I didn’t until I wanted to develop my own granola bar recipe. The thing that takes the longest with these granola bars is the wait, but it is so worth it!

The flavors: The combination of coconut, chocolate, and peanut butter is perfect in my opinion.

Portable: Granola bars have a stereotype of being of being great for on the go, and this chewy granola bars recipe is no exception. They are perfect for busy mornings, outings, lunches, and more.

Chewy not crumbly: These granola bars are compacted and easy to chew with very little crumbles.

Healthier then store bought: Store bought granola bars are notorious for being super unhealthy with all of the sugar and additives in them. However, making them from scratch allows you to control what goes into them, such as maple syrup instead of cane sugar, organic oats instead of regular oats that are full of glyphosate, coconut oil instead of canola or vegetable oil, etc.

Ingredients in the chewy granola bars

Coconut oil- Gives the granola bars chewiness and a good texture. Also, coconut oil adds to the coconut taste of the granola bars.

Quick oats- Gives the chewy granola bars structure and texture.

Shredded coconut- Adds additional coconut flavor to the granola bars and helps with the chewiness.

Crunchy peanut butter- Adds a nice crunch, acts as a binder, and adds a delicious peanut butter flavor.

Maple syrup- Acts as a natural sweetener for the granola bars and also helps binds the ingredients together.

Vanilla extract- Enhances the flavor of the chewy granola bars.

Chia seeds- Gives a nutrition boost to the granola bars. Chia seeds are known for having omega-3s, fiber, and protein.

Find out more about chia seeds here.

Salt- Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Dark chocolate chips- Gives a chocolatey flavor while complimenting the coconut and peanut butter flavors.

What is the origin of the granola bar?

When I was researching granola bars, I surprised to find out that granola actually dates way back to the 1860’s. In fact, granola was invented by Dr. James Caleb Jackson. Dr. Jackson, however, called granola, “granula.” Dr. Jackson made his granola by crushing up graham flour and baking it. He would then serve the granola to his patients.

However, Stanley Mason takes the credit for inventing the granola bar shape in the 1970’s. Granola bars became a thing because it was a growing trend for things to become more portable in the 70’s.

Equipment needed for chewy granola bars

Measuring cups and spoons

Rubber spatula and/or mixing spoon

Sauce pan

Mixing bowl

8×8-9×9 inch pan

Parchment paper

Ingredients for chewy granola bars

1/2 cup of peanut butter- I recommend crunchy but smooth works too

1/3 cup of maple syrup

1/3 cup of coconut oil

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 1/2 cups of quick oats

1/2 cup of shredded coconut

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

3/4 cup of dark chocolate chips

How to make chewy granola bars

Begin by melting peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil in a sauce pan over low heat until smooth. Then, add in the vanilla extract and salt.

Next in a separate bowl, mix together the oats, shredded coconut, and chia seeds. Then add the oat mixture to the peanut butter mixture in the sauce pan and mix everything together well.

Let everything cool slightly, about 5 minutes, and then mix in the chocolate chips.

Then, line pan with parchment paper and press the mixture down into the pan.

Optional- Top the mixture with extra chocolate chips and/or shredded coconut if desired. If adding additional chocolate chips or shredded coconut, gently press them into the mixture.

Next, place the pan in the refrigerator to cool for at least two hours.

Lastly, cut into rectangles or squares and enjoy!

How to store chewy granola bars

Room temp: Store in an air tight container in a cool, dry place for up to 5-7 days.

Refrigerator: Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Also, store in the fridge to prevent the coconut oil from becoming too greasy.

Freezer: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. They can be individually wrapped or placed in a freezer safe, air tight container with parchment paper separating the layers.

Ingredient variations

Here are some different swaps you could make!

Crunchy peanut butter-> smooth peanut butter or another type of nut butter

Quick oats-> old fashioned-rolled oats (just pulse in a food processor a few times!)

Dark chocolate chips-> semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

Shredded coconut-> shredded toasted coconut

Maple syrup-> honey

Additional add-ins

Crushed up nuts, for more crunchiness

Dried fruit, such as dried raisins or cranberries

Cinnamon, to give the granola bars a warmer taste with a bit of spice

Be sure to check out my egg muffins with cottage cheese recipe for another protein-rich snack!

Did you make this recipe? If so comment down below. I would love to hear how they turned out for you! 🙂