I’ve spent most of the weekend, most of the week before it, and really most of the entire month before that working on a blog post to be published either tomorrow or Tuesday… and I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous or excited about anything I’ve ever published before.
After hours staring at a computer screen, writing and then promptly deleting paragraphs over and over again, I very often found myself needing “study breaks.” And—just like back in high school—my favorite form of procrastination from working is to make and eat food.
Some things don’t change!
These granola bars are a product of one such study break. It’s amazing how productive you can be at a task when you’re trying to procrastinate doing something else.
Don’t believe me? Just try cleaning your apartment the next time you don’t want to work… 😉
They can be sugar-free, flourless, and there’s no baking required. If you can imagine eating one of those popular Coconut Seven Layer Bars in the form of a granola bar, that sort of describes these!
Coconut Chocolate Chip “Magic” Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick oats, or gluten-free quick oats (80g)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut, regular or reduced-fat (14g) (Don’t like coconut? Try these bars)
- 1/4 cup oat flour, gluten-free if desired (or grind up rolled oats in a food processor, then measure out 1/4 cup) (35g)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3-4 tbsp mini chocolate chips (30-40g)
- 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil (40g)
- pinch uncut stevia OR 2 tbsp agave or pure maple syrup (or honey for non-vegans)
- 1/4 cup milk of choice (60g) (decrease to 2 tbsp if using agave or maple)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
If using coconut oil, you can freeze instead of baking for no-bake granola bars. Otherwise, grease a loaf pan and preheat oven to 400 F. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until evenly incorporated. Transfer to the loaf pan, spread out, and press down VERY firmly with a sheet of wax paper or a small spatula. Bake 10 minutes. Then press down very firmly again. So that they don’t crumble, wait for the bars to cool completely before trying to invert the loaf pan onto a plate. If cooled completely, they should come off the pan in one big piece. Then you can cut into bars. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers for optimal freshness.
Question of the Day:
What is your favorite way to procrastinate?
Link of the Day:
These look fantastic Katie! And don’t stress about the blog post, we’ve got your back 🙂 x
My procrastinating is my baking! When I should be doing book work or even writing up posts I end up in the kitchen….I look forward to reading your next post!
This look delicious and easy! We have family flying in next week, and this might be the perfect travel snack to send home with her. 🙂
Does it have to be quick oats? I have everything on hand except that – how do you think rolled oats would turn out?
These sound delicious, Katie!! Excited to try them!
I love magic bars! I love these even more, because I can have them for breakfast! 😉
Hi Katie, this is my first time posting and wanted to say I’m a huge fan!
I made these bars last night and ended up eating half the batch in one sitting… oops…
I added a tablespoon of peanut butter and it was so yummy.
I don’t think I’ll ever buy granola bars again! Thank you!
Made these last night. Big hit with the picky teens, even with the unsweetened coconut. I baked them in silicone tartlet cups, which made nice sized portions and easy peasy clean up. I subbed a Tbsp brown sugar for some of the sweetener. Making a double batch next time. Thanks!
These magic bars look just perfect! Chocolate and coconut pair so well together and I love how you manage to make everything healthier:) Can’t wait to read your upcoming blog post that has been taking up so much of your time!
Looks so yummy! Pinning!
Ummm now I’m really, really excited for your blog post tomorrow. (And I think I know what it is!!!!). I also so admire your patience with writing blog posts and then waiting to post them. I don’t always (or really ever)… have it in me to do that! Also, did you know coconut and chocolate chips are pretty much my two fav things ever? Love love it!! These might have to go down in my kitchen this week.
delicious!! I subbed half the oil for applesauce and half the chocolate chips for chopped up dates and it worked perfectly! well, they were a little crumbly but I don’t think I pressed them down firmly enough so that might have been the reason. I’m having a very hard time not eating the whole thing right now!
can’t wait for your post!!
I love this idea! I really appreciate the short list of ingredients too. Can’t wait to try!
These granola bars were super, super, super delicious!!!
Thanks so much for posting!
I’ve been wanting to make Seven Layer Bars for quite some time now! Maybe I should make these instead 🙂