Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I love creating easy snacks that satisfy my sweet tooth and fuel my energy levels. These Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and chewy coconut. I often prepare them for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. The process is simple, and in just 30 minutes, I have a batch ready to enjoy. Plus, they’re a fantastic option when I want something homemade yet healthy without sacrificing flavor.
When I first made these Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites, I was surprised at how quickly they came together and how versatile the recipe is. The combination of oats, nuts, and chocolate creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup keeps them healthy while giving that sweet flavor everyone craves.
I’ve experimented with different mix-ins, and my favorite pairing is almond butter with dark chocolate. For an extra crunch, I sometimes add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before they cool. It transforms a simple snack into something truly gourmet!
Why You Will Love These Bites
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy almonds
- Chewy texture with a tropical hint of coconut
- Perfect for pre-workout fuel or a midday snack
The Role of Each Ingredient
Each ingredient in these Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites brings something special to the mix. The rolled oats serve as the base, providing a hearty, chewy texture that helps bind the ingredients together. Almond butter not only adds a rich creaminess but also a good source of protein and healthy fats, making these bites satisfying and energizing. The dark chocolate chips add a decadent touch, ensuring that each bite is a sweet indulgence without overly sweetening the mix.
Shredded coconut introduces a delightful chewy factor, with its tropical aroma enhancing the overall flavor profile. Chopped almonds complement the texture by adding crunch, while also delivering essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E. A splash of vanilla extract enhances the depth of flavor, making each bite taste less like a health food and more like a treat. The sea salt balances the sweetness, ensuring that no single flavor overwhelms the others.
Tips for Perfect Bites
When forming the bites, make sure your hands are slightly damp; this prevents the mixture from sticking too much and helps shape them more easily. If you find the mixture too dry, add a tad more almond butter or a small drizzle of honey until it reaches a consistency that holds together well without falling apart. A good rule of thumb is to aim for about 1-inch balls, as they will cook evenly and are the perfect size for snacking.
Baking time is crucial; keep an eye on the bites in the last few minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden and the tops to feel slightly firm to the touch. If you prefer a chewier texture, you can bake them for a shorter time, around 15 minutes. If you inadvertently let them bake too long, they might become too hard, so I recommend checking them regularly.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Form Bites
Using your hands, form small balls of the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden. Remove and let them cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, enjoy your Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites as a snack or breakfast on the go!
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Pro Tips
- For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding chia seeds or hemp seeds to the mixture.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These granola bites are fantastic for meal prep. You can make a batch and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for an extended period; just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking. To enjoy from frozen, simply remove a few bites and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before consuming, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer a warm snack.
Consider labeling your storage container with the date you made them, especially if you have several different snacks on hand. This will help you enjoy them while they’re at their freshest. If they start to lose their texture after a few days, toasting them lightly in the oven for a few minutes can revive their crunchy exterior.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize these granola bites to your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you're looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works beautifully in place of almond butter, providing a similar texture and flavor. You can also swap the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a different twist.
For added nutrition and flavor complexity, consider mixing in seeds such as chia or flaxseed. They lend a nutrient boost and can enhance the chewy texture. If you're looking to cut back on sugar, adjusting the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste can help, but ensure that the mixture still holds together well.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans.
→ How should I store the granola bites?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for prolonged freshness.
→ Are these granola bites vegan?
Yes, as long as you choose maple syrup instead of honey and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.
→ Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats.
Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites
I love creating easy snacks that satisfy my sweet tooth and fuel my energy levels. These Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and chewy coconut. I often prepare them for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. The process is simple, and in just 30 minutes, I have a batch ready to enjoy. Plus, they’re a fantastic option when I want something homemade yet healthy without sacrificing flavor.
What You'll Need
Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Using your hands, form small balls of the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden. Remove and let them cool completely.
Once cooled, enjoy your Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites as a snack or breakfast on the go!
Extra Tips
- For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding chia seeds or hemp seeds to the mixture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 4g