Chocolate Chunk Almond Granola Bars

Chewy granola bars studded with rich dark chocolate chunks and crunchy bits of almonds. This recipe contains simple ingredients and is affordable, easy to make, and 100% plant-based. 

Long gone are the days for store bought granola bars after you try this recipe. Why?

You know what’s in these bars. Many store-bought granola bars are loaded with unnecessary ingredients, such as corn syrup, sunflower oil, tapioca syrup, glycerin, “natural flavor” (what really is that?)…to name some. These bars, however, contain simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

Also, these bars contain no refined sugars and instead dates and maple syrup add sweetness. Store-bought granola bars can be loaded with refined sugars, such as syrups, glycerin, and cane sugar.

Oh, not to mention, they taste a heck of a lot better than store-bought. Want to see for yourself? Keep reading.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chunk Almond Granola Bars:

They’re perfectly chewy and crunchy. If you’re a fan of chewy granola bars then you will be the biggest fan of this recipe. The combination of rolled oats, puffed rice cereal, and almonds add chew and crunch to every bite. Additionally, the dates work as a binder for those three ingredients which aid in the chewiness.

Contain simple ingredients. This recipe contains simple, easy-to-find ingredients that are more healthful than your average granola bar. The ingredients in this recipe can be modified, if you do not have access to them all.

Feel free to substitute:

• Maple syrup for another liquid sweetener – honey or agave.
• Sliced almonds for another nut of choice – chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, etc.
• Almond butter for another nut butter – peanut, cashew, hazelnut, sunflower, etc.
• Ground flaxseed can be omitted or substituted for ground chia seeds.

Sweet, nutty, and salty. These bars contain a balance of sweet and salty notes. The rich chocolate chunks, maple syrup, and dates are balanced out with added sea salt and the nut butter. In addition, the sliced almonds add a nutty note to the bars.

How to Make Chocolate Chunk Almond Granola Bars:

This is a simple, fuss-free recipe.

1. Line a loaf tin with parchment paper. Soak the pitted, Medjool dates in boiling water for 20 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, puffed rice cereal, sliced almonds, flaxseed meal, and sea salt.
3. Drain the dates and add to a food processor along with maple syrup, almond butter, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Process on high for 30-45 seconds until smooth paste forms. Add date mixture to the oat mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to combine until a sticky granola-like mixture forms. Stir in the chopped chocolate.
4. Add the mixture to the prepared loaf tin. Press down into an even layer. Set in the freezer for 20 minutes. Slice into bars (I sliced it into 8 large bars, but feel free to cut them smaller). Store in an airtight container in the freezer.

Try these similar on-the-go snack recipes:

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Granola Bars

Double Chocolate Energy Bites

Chewy Quinoa Tahini Energy Bars

Snickerdoodle Energy Bites

---