Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making these Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites on busy mornings. With their crunchy texture and delightful combination of chocolate, almonds, and coconut, they provide the perfect energy boost to kick off my day. These bites are super quick to prepare and can be customized with any nuts or seeds I have on hand. They're great for snacking, and I find myself reaching for them instead of less healthy options. Plus, they keep well, making them a trusty companion for my hectic schedule.
When I first experimented with these granola bites, I wanted something that combined my favorite flavors. After several tries, I discovered that mixing honey, almond butter, and cocoa powder created a perfect binding for the oats and coconut. This not only enhanced the flavor but also kept them chewy yet crunchy!
To ensure they hold together, I recommend refrigerating them for at least an hour before serving. Not only does this help with the texture, but it also intensifies the chocolate flavor, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Trust me, once you've made these, you won't want to go back to store-bought snacks!
Why You'll Love These Bites
- Rich chocolate flavor with a hint of almond
- Nutty crunch complemented by coconut flake goodness
- Convenient bites that are perfect for on-the-go snacking
The Role of Each Ingredient
Each ingredient in these Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites plays a vital role in both texture and flavor. The rolled oats form the base, providing a chewy texture and a rich source of fiber, which helps keep you full. Almond butter adds healthy fats and protein, making these bites not just tasty but also a nourishing snack. Honey acts as both a sweetener and a binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together while giving a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with cocoa.
Cocoa powder introduces a rich chocolate flavor that contrasts delightfully with the nutty notes of almonds and the tropical flair of shredded coconut. Shredded coconut not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the chewy texture that makes these bites so satisfying. Meanwhile, the vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile, adding a subtle warmth that ties all the ingredients together harmoniously.
Preparation Tips
When mixing the dry ingredients, ensure that the oats and cocoa powder are well combined before adding the wet ingredients. This helps to distribute the cocoa evenly, preventing any clumping and ensuring each bite is chocolaty. If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly when combining, you can add a little more almond butter or honey, just a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a sticky consistency necessary for forming the bites.
For easier handling when forming the bites, consider wetting your hands slightly. This helps prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers, allowing you to roll them into perfect, uniform balls. It's also a good idea to use a melon baller or a small cookie scoop for consistent size, which helps ensure even chilling and a uniform texture. If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, feel free to adjust the cocoa powder amount within the bounds of the total mixture.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious Chocolat Almond Coconut Granola Bites:
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to mix them up and create these delicious bites!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites:
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and sea salt. Mix well until fully combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
Form Bites
Using your hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill
Refrigerate the granola bites for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.
Once chilled, your Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites are ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to substitute the almond butter with peanut butter or sunbutter, based on your preference. You can also add dried fruits or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Storage Solutions
These granola bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead snack. If you'd like to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Just place the formed bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can be enjoyed directly from the freezer for a cool, refreshing treat or thaw within minutes at room temperature.
To keep the bites fresh and prevent them from getting too hard, I recommend placing a slice of bread in the storage container with them. The bread helps maintain moisture levels, keeping the granola bites soft and chewy. This simple tip is especially useful if you plan to make a large batch to enjoy over time.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of these granola bites is their versatility. You can easily swap out the almonds for other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you're looking for a nut-free option. This provides flexibility based on your dietary needs or what you have on hand. For a touch of additional sweetness or crunch, try adding mix-ins like dried fruit or dark chocolate chips.
If you're looking to lower the sugar content, consider reducing the honey or substituting it with maple syrup or agave nectar. Each of these options will give a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment. You can also adjust the cocoa powder for more or less chocolate flavor, depending on what satisfies your cravings best.
Questions About Recipes
→ How long do these granola bites last?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
→ Can I freeze the granola bites?
Yes! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container.
→ What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives that will work in this recipe.
→ Are these granola bites vegan?
To make them vegan, replace honey with maple syrup and ensure your almond butter is vegan-friendly.
Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites
I absolutely love making these Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites on busy mornings. With their crunchy texture and delightful combination of chocolate, almonds, and coconut, they provide the perfect energy boost to kick off my day. These bites are super quick to prepare and can be customized with any nuts or seeds I have on hand. They're great for snacking, and I find myself reaching for them instead of less healthy options. Plus, they keep well, making them a trusty companion for my hectic schedule.
Created by: Harriet Collins
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bites
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and sea salt. Mix well until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
Using your hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate the granola bites for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to substitute the almond butter with peanut butter or sunbutter, based on your preference. You can also add dried fruits or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 35mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 4g