No Bake Chocolate Dipped Chewy Granola Bars...exactly the snack you need in your life right now. Made using rolled oats, sliced almonds, hemp hearts, peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and a little vanilla. Plus they’re dipped in dairy-free rich, dark chocolate. These bars are vegan, gluten free, and so delicious. Just the right amount of chewy, sweet, and peanut buttery...they are the perfect grab and go snack.

The inspiration…

Does anyone remember those classic Quaker Chewy Bars that made frequent appearances in lunch boxes back in the day? Well, a box or two was a constant in our pantry growing up. The chocolate dipped ones were always my favorite, though we rarely had those because they were more ~unhealthy~. And now, as an adult, I’ve found it incredibly difficult to find granola bars that are actually healthy. So! I decided to make my own, combining the chocolate coating of those nostalgic Chewy bars with healthy and wholesome ingredients. Best of both worlds.

The oats, peanut butter, almonds, and hemp hearts all add a decent amount of plant based protein to the bars, as well as a plethora of healthy fats and fiber. They really make for a well rounded little snack, perfect for those busy afternoons when you just need a quick bite to hold ya over until dinner.

Sweetened by just the maple syrup and dark chocolate coating, these bars aren’t overly sweet like a lot of the packaged ones you get at the store. They also use coconut oil rather than the less than ideal vegetable oils that a lot of those store bought bars have as well. Overall, it’s safe to say these are a generally healthier option than many of the ones you can buy.

These bars are so incredibly easy to whip up and sure to be a fan favorite. I would recommend prepping a batch at the beginning of the week to keep in the freezer for quick after school or after work snack that the whole family will enjoy.

If you do give these No Bake Chocolate Dipped Chewy Granola Bars a try, be sure to comment below and/or tag me on Instagram and let me know how you like them! I really do love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by!
Take Care xx
Slim

No Bake Chocolate Dipped Chewy Granola Bars (Vegan + GF)

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Serves: 16 bars

Ingredients

2 ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
½ cup sliced almonds
½ cup hemp hearts
1 tsp cinnamon
⅓ cup maple syrup
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup coconut oil + 1 tsp
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup dark chocolate chips + 2 tbsp (I use Enjoy Life)

Instructions

Prep a 9 x 13 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, add the oats, sliced almonds, hemp hearts, and cinnamon. Mix together until evenly distributed. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, add the maple syrup, peanut butter, ¼ cup coconut oil, and vanilla. Heat over medium-low heat and whisk together. Bring to a low simmer, continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, whisking continually.
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix together until well combined and oat mixture is completely coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepped baking dish and evenly distribute it. Press down firmly with a spatula. Place in the freezer for at least an hour to chill.
Melt the 1 cup chocolate chips in the microwave (30 second increment first and then 15 second increments after until melted, to ensure it doesn’t burn). For the drizzle, add the 2 tbsp chocolate chips and the 1 tsp coconut oil in a small bowl and microwave until melted.
Take the chilled granola mixture out of the freezer, remove from the dish. Transfer the parchment paper to a large cookie sheet. Cut into 16 even bars. Dip them in the chocolate or use a spoon to coat one side of the bar with the melted chocolate. Set the bars chocolate side down on the cookie sheet. Drizzle with chocolate and coconut oil mixture. Place them back in the freezer for an additional 5 minutes to let the chocolate firm up. Store in the freezer or serve immediately.