Chewy Coconut Granola Bars

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spread the oats and the coconut on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven, let it cool and transfer to a large bowl.

Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by spraying it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil, honey and brown sugar. Heat and stir until melted. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly and boil for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

Pour the sugar mixture into the oats and coconut and stir until evenly combined. Press the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down very firmly. I like to lay a sheet of wax paper over the bars and press down with a metal spatula to get it as compact as possible so they don’t fall apart.

Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup and microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until just about melted. Let it melt the last little bit just by stirring. Don’t overheat the chocolate or it will seize.

Spread the chocolate over the bars or drizzle it over top. Allow to cool for at least 2 hours at room temperature before cutting into bars. Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 4-5 days.

Notes:
1. These bars require quick-cooking oats. If you only have rolled oats then give them a quick pulse in the food processor to break them down a bit. Otherwise, the bars will likely fall apart.
2. Also, the chocolate on these bars is a very thin layer on top, not quite reaching the very edges if you spread it. If you want a thicker layer you could double the amount of chocolate used, or you could just drizzle it across the bars.
3. I toasted my oats and coconut, but you don’t need to bother if you don’t want to. It just adds a little more flavour!