Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola

Granola is so incredibly easy and good for you...yet I hardly ever think to make it!  I've tried a few versions, and I have to say this coconut chocolate chip granola is fantastic and such a wonderful healthy snack. 

The oats promote heart health and are a great source of fiber, as are flax seeds!  Flax seeds and the nuts also contain Omega-3's which are good, healthy fats and are also excellent for your heart and help AID in weight loss. 

And yes, of course I added dark chocolate bits...yum!!  This granola is amazing mixed with Greek yogurt, which I often mix with dark chocolate chips so I thought, why not add them all together?  It's completely optional though...in fact I actually did 1/2 the batch without because my husband enjoys eating this granola with milk, like cereal.  

I hope you all enjoy as much as my family did.  I caught my 18 month carrying the storage container around quite a few times shoveling handfuls of it in her mouth.  Thinking I may make a double batch next time!

Makes about 3 cups

Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup flax seed
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  In a microwave safe bowl, combine the coconut oil, honey and maple syrup and microwave for 15-30 seconds to slightly melt everything.  In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, chopped nuts, flax seed and raisins.  Pour the coconut oil mixture over top and stir until everything is coated.

Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown (it will be soft when it first comes out of the oven and harden as it cools).  Add the chocolate chips when the granola has cooled.  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.

No-Bake Energy Bars

I can't remember the last time I bought granola bars for my family!  We seem to always have some homemade version in the house.  I love this recipe because it sneaks in flax seeds and chia seeds, which are both great sources of fiber, antioxidants and Omega-3's (healthy fats!).  

Add in peanut butter, chocolate chips and raisins and your kiddos won't know they are good for them! No processed sugars, just honey for added sweetness.  These are amazing! 

Just a bit crunchy from the seeds and chocolate chips, but gooey and dense and not dried out at all!  I kept mine stored in the fridge because they do get really soft when left at room temperature.  And I can't forget to mention that these literally take about 5 minutes to whip up!  So easy you'll never go back to store-bought again. 

Makes 9 large bars or 16 bites

No-Bake Energy Bars

1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup skim or almond milk
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds

In a large bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, honey and milk; stir until mixed.  Add the raisins, chocolate chips, flax seeds and chia seeds and stir until everything is incorporated.  Press mixture into an 8 x 8-inch pan, cover and refrigerate a couple of hours, or until it hardens some.  Slice into bars or bite size pieces and keep stored in the fridge.

(Source:  adapted from Skinny Ms.)

Peanut Butter & Honey Energy Bites

I was in the mood to bake the other day - specifically because I needed something sweet.  I don't always have a lot of time to make cookies or muffins, but these were so quick and easy that I know I'll be able to make them any time my sweet tooth hits.

These reminded me of the nougat part of a candy bar.  They are ridiculously yummy!  The chia seeds and chocolate chips are optional, and if you leave them out, add a bit more oats.  But I would highly recommend both!  

After I rolled them, I immediately put them in the freezer and actually kept them in there.  You can keep them in the fridge too, but they will be very soft and sticky.  Best to keep them in the freezer and let sit for a minute to soften before eating.  Also, this should make about 18 - and if I had stopped myself from eating this by the spoonful as I making them, I probably would have had more to share later, haha!  

  

Makes approximately 18 bites

Peanut Butter & Honey Energy Bites

2/3 cup natural peanut butter

2/3 cup honey

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

2 tablespoons chia seeds

2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)

Microwave the peanut butter for about 20 seconds (if necessary) until melted.  Stir in the honey, oats, chia seeds and mini chocolate chips.  Place in the fridge for about 2 hours to firm up.  Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture (I used a small cookie scoop), roll into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.  Store covered in fridge or freezer.  

{Healthier} No-Bake Cookies

I loooove a good no-bake cookie.  And if you follow this blog, you know I'm pretty obsessed with an oat/peanut butter combination.  Needless to say, I'm pretty psyched that I now have a go-to clean eating no-bake cookie to make when I'm in need of something sweet!

Little bites of yumminess!!  The chewiness of the raisins is an awesome addition and I would not recommend leaving them out (unless you despise raisins).  Store in the fridge or freezer because they get very soft and sticky at room temperature.  

Yields 12 cookies

{Healthier} No-Bake Cookies

2/3 cup coconut sugar
4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup fat free milk
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 raisins

Stir coconut sugar, cocoa and milk in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on high for one minute.  Stir.  Add peanut butter and vanilla and stir until well blended.  Stir in oats and raisins until combined.  Using a small cookie scoop, drop the mixture onto a wax paper lined baking sheet.  Chill in fridge for about an hour (or freezer for 10 minutes) before serving.  Keep leftovers stored in fridge.

(Source:  Adapted from Ready Set Eat)

Banana Raisin Bites

Mm...mmm...little bites of goodness!!  Simple to put together and the ingredients are everything you have in your pantry and fridge.  No sugar (except for the chocolate chips, which are optional).  

Perfect for little mouths - my kids love these!  And sure to curb your sweet tooth craving, but you don't have to feel guilty about eating them.  I also don't see why you couldn't eat these for breakfast on the go - just a mini version of a healthier muffin!

Bananas, unsweetened applesauce, oats, milk, raisins and chocolate chips (again, optional but I just can't help myself!).  If you omit the chocolate, you can use 1/2 cup of raisins.  I use all organic ingredients when I can!

Yields about 16 cookies

Banana Raisin Bites

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 cups oats

1/4 cup skim or almond milk

1/4 cup raisins 

1/4 cup chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all of the ingredients in one bowl and stir until everything is mixed together.  Using a small cookie scoop, drop the batter on a cookie sheet.  Bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn slightly golden.  

Coconut Peanut Butter Granola Bars

I'm addicted to making granola bars!!  So easy and my kids LOVE them.  I'm always looking for new add-ins and flavors.  These are ridiculously good.  I cut them into mini squares and they were perfect for my little ones.  P.S. these are made with all clean eating ingredients (except for the chocolate chips, which you can omit)!!   

Makes approximately 24 square bars

Coconut Peanut Butter Granola Bars

1 cup Earth Balance coconut peanut butter spread (or use regular peanut butter)
2/3 cup honey
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sea salt
6 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried apricots, diced
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey and maple syrup and heat for 30 seconds.  Stir until everything melts and combines together.  Add the vanilla and sea salt, stir to combine.  Stir in all of the dry ingredients.

Spoon granola mixture into the lined pan and press down firmly.  At this point, you could also roll them into bite sized balls.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.  Turn pan upside down onto a cutting board and peel back the foil.  Cut into squares or rectangles, whichever you prefer.  Keep in fridge because they do get very soft at room temperature.

Maple-Honey Coconut Granola

You can't believe how easy it is to make your own, healthy granola.  It's such an amazing snack on top of yogurt or even as cereal with milk!

I chose raisins and dried apricots, but you can do any kind of dried fruit you like!  Cranberries, dates, cherries, etc.  Add almonds or walnuts, even chocolate chips (after it's done baking or you might have a mess on your hands!).  

My two-year is constantly grabbing the container off of the counter and grabbing handfuls of it.  I love that we've done a lot of "cleaning" up in our house as far as our food choices and it doesn't seem to bother anyone!  My husband mixes the granola into greek yogurt with a little PB2 or a dollop of peanut butter.  SO good!!

Serves 4

Maple-Honey Coconut Granola

2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

2 tablespoons flax seed

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

1/3 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all the wet ingredients in one small bowl and the dry ingredients in another larger bowl.  Pour the wet over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is coated.  Pour onto a large baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 15 minutes.  Shake or stir the granola on the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the granola becomes golden.  It may still be a bit "wet" but once it is out of the oven for a couple of minutes, it will become crunchy.