I love granola. There are so many different flavor combos. These are very tasty and easy to make. You can crumble them into yogurt or eat them plain. Bonus- they are way cheaper to make than to buy!
Coconut Cranberry Chocolate Granola Bars (inspired by Charlotte au Chocolat)
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 2 cups rolled oats (not the quick cook kind)
- 1 heaped cup flaked unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup lightly toasted nuts of your choice (I used pecans and pepitas)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or other fruits
- Melted semi-sweet chocolate for drizzling
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine the oats and oil in a bowl. Spread the oats in an even layer on a baking sheet lined and toast for about 20 minutes. Stir at the ten minute mark. When lightly toasted, remove from the oven. In another bowl, combine the oats, coconut, spices, salt and nuts. Combine the honey and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Pour over the oats and stir to coat evenly.
Turn the oven down to 300 degrees. Line a 9×13 inch glass pan with parchment. Spread the granola in an even layer. Use a heavy object to press the granola down. This will help make it denser. Bake until just golden, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting into rectangles.
In a small saucepan, melt some semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over the granola bars. Allow the chocolate to hard then store the bars in an airtight container.