Dark Chocolate Granola Bar Recipe are a snack food made by combining oats, nuts, seeds, and other ingredients, bound together with syrup and baked until crisp. Dark chocolate chips or chunks are then added to the mixture, providing a sweet and rich chocolate flavor.
These bars are often marketed as a healthy snack option due to the inclusion of granola, which is high in fiber and whole grains. Some dark chocolate granola bars may also contain dried fruits and other superfood ingredients, making them a nutritious option for on-the-go snacking.
Granola Bars Meaning
Granola bars are snack bars made from a mixture of rolled oats, nuts, sweeteners, and dried fruit held together by a binding ingredient such as honey or syrup. They are often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional sweet snacks and are convenient for on-the-go eating.
Chocolate Granola Bar Ingredients
ROLLED OATS 2 CUPS
ALMOND 1/2 CUP (CHOPPED)
CASHEW 1/2 CUP (CHOPPED)
WALNUT 1/4 CUP (CHOPPED)
PUMPKIN SEEDS 1/2 CUP
SUNFLOWER SEEDS 1/2 CUP
FLAX SEEDS 2 TBSP
DATES 20 NOS. (PITTED)
DRIED CRANBERRY 1/4 CUP
DRIED BLUEBERRY 1/4 CUP
.HONEY 1/2 CUP
DARK CHOCOLATE 250 GRAMS (CHOPPED)
COCONUT OIL 1 TBSP
What are the benefits of granola bars?
Granola bars can provide several benefits, including:
Convenience: Granola bars are easy to carry and make for a quick, convenient snack when you’re on-the-go.
Nutritional value: Granola bars can provide a good source of fiber, whole grains, and protein, along with vitamins and minerals.
Energy boost: The combination of carbohydrates and protein in granola bars can provide a quick energy boost.
Versatility: Granola bars come in a variety of flavors and can be a tasty alternative to traditional snacks.
Customization: You can make your own granola bars at home and add the ingredients you like the most, making them a healthier and more personalized snack option.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all granola bars are created equal, and some can be high in added sugars and unhealthy fats, so it’s important to read the ingredients and nutrition label before purchasing.
Making Dark Chocolate Granola Bar Recipe Step by Step
1. Set a pan over medium-high heat & add the rolled oats in it once the pan gets hot, toast the oats while stirring continuously until they get slightly golden then transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
2. Set the pan back on the heat & then add the chopped almonds, cashews & walnuts, toast them while stirring until they get golden & then transfer them into the same bowl with the oats.
3. Further set the pan back on heat & add all the seeds & toast them similarly, transfer the toasted seeds into the same mixing bowl as the oats & nuts.
4. Let all the toasted ingredients cool down completely, meanwhile add the pitted dates into a mixer grinder jar & grind them into a finer paste, make sure you use soft dates as they are easier to grind.
5. Once the oats mixture cools down add in the dried berries.
6. Along with the honey & mix really well.
7. Further, add the date paste & combine everything using a spatula or your hands.
8. Once combined transfer the mixture into a butter paper lined baking tray & level it out using a spatula.
9. Then use a potato masher to press everything evenly, this step is very important, if you don’t press the mixture well then the bars will break while cutting them into pieces.
10. To level it out further, cover the surface with a plastic sheet or a clingwrap & move the rolling pin over it.
11. Place the tray inside the fridge for the bars to set while you melt the chocolate.
12. Place a heatproof bowl over a stockpot with boiling water, add the chopped dark chocolate & coconut oil, stir until the chocolate melts.
13. Once the chocolate melts remove it from the heat, get the tray from the fridge & pour the melted chocolate over the granola, and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Place it back in the fridge & let it set for 4-5 hours or overnight.
14. Once set demold it, remove the butter paper & cut it into bars according to your preference.
15. Your delicious, healthy & homemade granola bars are ready.
Are Chocolate Covered Granola Bars Healthy
Chocolate-covered granola bars can be a less healthy option compared to plain granola bars. This is because chocolate adds extra sugar and unhealthy fats to the snack, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, some chocolate-covered granola bars contain artificial sweeteners, which may have negative effects on health.
That being said, some chocolate-covered granola bars can still be a nutritious snack if they are made with high-quality ingredients, such as dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao and natural sweeteners(honey). It is important to check the ingredient list and nutrition label before purchasing and to enjoy chocolate-covered granola bars in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How many granola bars should I eat a day
The number of granola bars you should eat in a day depends on several factors, including your age, gender, weight, and level of physical activity.
As a general guideline, it’s recommended to limit the consumption of snack bars, including granola bars, to a moderate amount as part of a balanced diet. Eating too many granola bars can lead to an excessive intake of sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories, which can have negative effects on your health and contribute to weight gain.
Granola vs Muesli
Granola and muesli are both breakfast foods made from a mixture of grains, nuts, and dried fruits. However, there are some key differences between the two:
Preparation: Granola is typically baked with a sweetener such as honey or syrup, which causes the ingredients to clump together, forming clusters. Muesli, on the other hand, is typically mixed with milk or yogurt and eaten raw.
Texture: Granola has a crunchy texture, while muesli is softer and more like oatmeal.
Sweetness: Granola is often sweeter than muesli due to the added sweeteners during preparation. Muesli may be lightly sweetened with dried fruits or sweeteners such as honey, but is generally less sweet than granola.
Customization: Both granola and muesli can be customized to suit individual tastes, but muesli provides more flexibility in terms of ingredients and combinations.
Chocolate Granola Bar Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for chocolate granola bars will vary depending on the specific product and ingredients used. However, some common ingredients in chocolate granola bars include oats, chocolate chips, sugar, oil, and other added ingredients such as nuts and dried fruit.
On average, a 1.5 oz (43 g) chocolate granola bar can contain around:
- 140 – 170 calories
- 20 – 25 g carbohydrates
- 5 – 10 g protein
- 6 – 10 g fat
- 3 – 5 g fiber
- 10 – 15 g sugar
It’s important to note that chocolate granola bars can be high in added sugars and unhealthy fats, so it’s important to choose bars that are made with high-quality ingredients, such as dark chocolate, natural sweeteners, and whole grains. It’s also a good idea to read the ingredients list and nutrition label before purchasing to ensure you’re making a healthy choice.
Dark Chocolate Granola Bar Recipe | Dark Chocolate Granola Bars | Chocolate Granola Bar
Equipment
- Bowl
- cooking spud
- Deep non-stick pan
- Blender
- Saucepan
Ingredients
For Making Dark Chocolate Granola Bar Recipe
- 2 Cup ROLLED OATS
- ½ Cup ALMOND (CHOPPED)
- ½ Cup CASHEW (CHOPPED)
- ¼ Cup WALNUT (CHOPPED)
- ½ Cup PUMPKIN SEEDS
- ½ Cup SUNFLOWER SEEDS
- 2 Tbsp FLAX SEEDS
- 20 Piece DATES
- ¼ Cup DRIED CRANBERRY
- ¼ Cup DRIED BLUEBERRY
- ½ Cup HONEY
- 250 Gram DARK CHOCOLATE
- 1 Tbsp COCONUT OIL
Instructions
Making Dark Chocolate Granola Bar Recipe Step by Step
- Set a pan over medium high heat & add the rolled oats in it once the pan gets hot, toast the oats while stirring continuously until they get slightly golden then transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
- Set the pan back on the heat & then add the chopped almonds, cashews & walnuts, toast them while stirring until they get golden & then transfer them into the same bowl with the oats.
- Further set the pan back on heat & add all the seeds & toast them similarly, transfer the toasted seeds into the same mixing bowl as the oats & nuts.
- Let all the toasted ingredients cool down completely, meanwhile, add the pitted dates into a mixer grinder jar & grind them into a finer paste, make sure you use soft dates as they are easier to grind.
- Once the oats mixture cools down add in the dried berries.
- Along with the honey & mix really well.
- Further, add the date paste & combine everything using a spatula or your hands.
- Once combined transfer the mixture into a butter paper-lined baking tray & level it out using a spatula.
- Then use a potato masher to press everything evenly, this step is very important, if you don’t press the mixture well then the bars will break while cutting them into pieces.
- To level it out further, cover the surface with a plastic sheet or a clingwrap & move the rolling pin over it.
- Place the tray inside the fridge for the bars to set while you melt the chocolate.
- Place a heatproof bowl over a stockpot with boiling water, add the chopped dark chocolate & coconut oil, stir until the chocolate melts.
- Once the chocolate melts remove it from the heat, get the tray from the fridge & pour the melted chocolate over the granola, and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Place it back in the fridge & let it set for 4-5 hours or overnight.
- Once set demold it, remove the butter paper & cut it into bars according to your preference.
- Your delicious, healthy & homemade granola bars are ready.
Video
Notes
- Experiment with ingredients: Try different combinations of oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and spices to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate: Look for dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Sweeten to taste: Adjust the amount of sweetener (such as honey or maple syrup) to your preference. Keep in mind that the dark chocolate will add sweetness as well.
- Use a binding agent: A syrup, such as honey or peanut butter, helps to hold the granola bar ingredients together.
- Firmly press the mixture: Use a spatula or your hands to firmly press the granola mixture into the baking dish to ensure it holds together when cut into bars.
- Allow to cool completely: Be patient and let the bars cool completely before cutting them, as this will help them hold their shape.
- Store in an airtight container: To keep the bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
