If you love easy, wholesome treats that taste like absolute indulgence, these No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars are your new go-to. Packed with crunchy nuts, oats, and a dreamy layer of dark chocolate, they come together almost effortlessly—no oven required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely No Baking Required: Skip the oven and get these scrumptious bars ready with just a little mixing, melting, and chilling.
- Loaded with Good-For-You Ingredients: Crunchy nuts, seeds, oats, and coconut combine for a satisfyingly wholesome treat that’s naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
- Dreamy Chocolate Ganache Topping: A silky, fudge-like chocolate layer (thanks to real coconut milk!) makes these bars feel like a decadent dessert.
- Perfect for Meal Prep or Snacking: These No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars store beautifully, making them ideal for grab-and-go breakfasts or afternoon pick-me-ups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars is in their simplicity—each ingredient has a job to do, whether it’s adding crunch, flavor, or binding it all together. Here’s what brings these bars to life and why you’ll love each one:
- Rolled Oats: Classic old-fashioned oats deliver the perfect chewy texture and act as the hearty backbone of the bars.
- Mixed Nuts and Seeds: Whether it’s cashews, pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds, a chunky blend gives every bite a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
- Unsweetened Almond Butter: This creamy spread adds rich flavor and helps the bars hold together—feel free to use your nut butter of choice!
- Maple Syrup: The natural sweetness of maple syrup brings everything together and keeps these bars refined sugar-free.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds that signature tropical touch and soft chew that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Melted Coconut Oil: Essential for binding and for creating that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cinnamon: Just a hint lifts all the flavors and adds gentle warmth.
- Flakey Salt: A sprinkle on top balances all the sweet and intensifies the chocolate flavor—don’t skip it!
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Melted down for a decadent ganache topping (go as dark as you like for your chocolate fix).
- Full-Fat Canned Coconut Milk (creamy part): Poured into the chocolate for a silky, fudge-like finish that’s pure bliss.
Variations
These bars are endlessly customizable! Whether you’re working around allergies, avoiding certain ingredients, or just want to switch up the flavors, you can easily make No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars your own.
- Use Different Nut Butters: Swap almond butter for peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free version.
- Switch Up the Nuts and Seeds: Use peanuts, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or even dried cranberries for added color and flavor.
- Go Extra Chocolatey: Stir in mini chocolate chips or a handful of cocoa nibs for chocolate bits inside the bars too.
- Add Protein: Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder if you’re prepping these as a pre- or post-workout snack.
How to Make No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. You’ll add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and creamy almond butter straight in—then whisk well until the mixture is perfectly smooth and glossy. This is the delicious “glue” that holds the bars together, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Drop in your rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped nuts and seeds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Switch to a sturdy spatula and mix, making sure every last oat and nut is coated in that irresistible nut butter mixture. The batter should look chunky, not runny.
Step 3: Press and Shape
Line your baking pan with parchment paper, then firmly press the mixture down into an even, compact layer. Packing it tightly helps the bars stay together—use the back of a spoon or just your hands for the most even surface.
Step 4: Make the Ganache Topping
Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut milk (just use the creamy part from the can) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them together in 30-second bursts until the milk is hot. Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth—now you’ve got a glossy ganache that will take these bars over the top.
Step 5: Top, Chill, and Slice
Pour the ganache over the pressed bars and spread it to the edges so every bite gets some chocolate love. Dust with flakey salt (it makes all the difference!), then pop the pan in the freezer for an hour. Once set, simply slice into bars and try not to eat them all at once!
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars
- Pressed for Success: Really pack down the granola mixture in your pan—pressing firmly with your hands or a flat-bottomed glass creates sturdy, satisfying bars that won’t crumble.
- Chilling is Key: Make sure to freeze the bars for at least an hour; this sets the chocolate layer and helps the bars hold their shape when sliced.
- Room Temperature Chocolate: For the silkiest ganache topping, let the coconut milk come to room temperature before mixing with chocolate—this prevents any seized or grainy texture.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to swap in different nuts, seeds, or even toss in dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet, chewy boost.
How to Serve No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate right before serving makes these bars eye-catching and gives an elegant, homemade feel. A light dusting of cocoa powder or an extra pinch of flakey salt on top can also make the chocolate flavor pop!
Side Dishes
No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars are perfectly satisfying on their own, but if you’re serving them for breakfast or brunch, try pairing with a yogurt parfait, a cup of fruit, or a simple smoothie for a nourishing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic lunchbox treat or stack them artfully on a tiered tray for a party-ready dessert board. For extra dazzle, cut into mini bites and serve with fancy toothpicks as healthy party nibbles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh, chewy, and delicious for up to two weeks. Keep a layer of parchment between bars to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These bars are perfect for freezing! Lay them out on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months—just grab one whenever you need a quick snack or breakfast on the go.
Reheating
No need to reheat—these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If they’ve been in the freezer, let them sit out for ten minutes to soften up for the perfect bite.
FAQs
-
Are No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these bars are naturally gluten-free—making them a safe and delicious snack for most dietary needs.
-
Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely. Honey or agave syrup are easy swaps, although the flavor will change a bit. Just use the same amount for a similar texture and sweetness level!
-
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
You can use melted butter (dairy or non-dairy) if you don’t have coconut oil. The flavor will shift slightly, but the bars will still set up beautifully.
-
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and press the mixture into a larger baking dish, or make two smaller pans for easy sharing.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried No Bake Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars before, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself. Whether you need a sweet yet wholesome snack, a lunchbox hero, or a make-ahead breakfast, these bars have you covered. Give them a try and see just how joyful snack time can be!
PrintNo Bake Granola Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Granola Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack that is easy to make. Packed with nuts, seeds, oats, and coconut, these bars are drizzled with a chocolate topping for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Granola Bars:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts and seeds of choice, roughly chopped (e.g., pecans, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter or nut butter of choice
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Flakey salt, to taste
Chocolate Topping:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (creamy part)
Instructions
- Prepare Granola Bars: In a large mixing bowl, combine coconut oil, maple syrup, and almond butter. Whisk until smooth. Add oats, coconut, chopped nuts, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Line Baking Dish: Line a 9×9 or 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the pan.
- Make Chocolate Topping: Heat coconut milk and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until hot. Whisk to create ganache.
- Top Bars: Pour chocolate over bars, spread evenly, and sprinkle with flakey salt.
- Chill: Freeze bars for 1 hour, then slice into 12 bars.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- You can customize the nuts and seeds to your preference.
- Feel free to add dried fruits or chocolate chips to the granola mixture.
- Ensure the chocolate topping is well-set before slicing the bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg