I know that the internet is all aflutter with Valentine’s Day things that are pink, heart shaped and probably have chocolate in them. So, I’m here apologizing for not giving you a dessert to make for your boo, but I brought granola bars crossed with a candy bar, so can we call it even? To be honest, Valentine’s Day always kind of sneaks up on me, since it’s in that vast expanse of winter/wishing it were spring and time just kind of seems to stand still until the snow melts (it’s going to be a longgg time until that happens). So while I don’t have a heart shaped cake or pink dessert for you, there are ideas for chocolate desserts out there! My girl Christina has been posting chocolate recipes left and right and this cute little cake looks perfect for a quick weekend date night dessert. But, if you are looking for a night in, baking your heart out with snacks for the upcoming week, these are your ticket!
I was out of rolled oats and had oat bran, so that’s the main reason these came to be. I wasn’t sure how the oat bran was going to work out, but it surprisingly, made for a pretty easy granola bar recipe! I will say that mine were slightly overbaked and I wish I had taken them out sooner, so keep an eye on your timer and keep checking these to make sure they don’t burn on the edges. As far as the mix-ins go, most everything can be swapped out for whatever you have on had, just made sure you keep the peanut butter and maple syrup in so they hold together after baking!
Almond Joy Oat Bran Granola Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Snack
Description
Vegan granola bars with a twist! Oats are replaced with oat bran, and coconut and almonds are a welcome addition to these granola bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat bran
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup chopped almonds
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut
- Melted chocolate (1/3 cup chocolate chips+1 teaspoon coconut oil, for drizzling and topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, grease an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients, except for the chocolate. Make sure the mixture is combined throughly and becomes thick and somewhat sticky. If the mixture is very dry, add a bit more maple syrup and peanut butter until it can be pressed together easily. Press the mixture into the greased pan evenly and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. After cooling and cutting, drizzle with melted chocolate.
Sara @ Cake Over Steak says
I love a good granola bar. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day, Abby! xoxoxo
The Frosted Vegan says
Thank you dear! Hope you had a lovely weekend! xoxo
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
What a gorgeous shoot, Abby. You’ve made me forget how healthy they are for you because they look so rich and delicious! Thanks for the shoutout and hope you have a great weekend 🙂
The Frosted Vegan says
Thanks Sarah! I actually didn’t know how I was going to style these, so it came out juuuust right 🙂
Julia says
I applaud you for the lack-of-heart-shaped treats, m’dear. And I am aaaaaaaalways up for a healthy granola bar. I mean, the fact that they’re made with oat bran and naturally sweetened gives me licence to dip them in all the melted chocolate, yes? Perfect! Look out almond joy granola bars, here I come!
The Frosted Vegan says
YES to alllll the melted chocolate!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Bran is the best! Love how healthy but totally delicious these are 🙂
The Frosted Vegan says
Me too! I thought a little chocolate couldn’t hurt, right?! 🙂
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
They might not be pink or heart-shaped, but I’m pretty sure I’m in love with these! Can’t wait to try them!
The Frosted Vegan says
Me too! thanks Patricia!
Megan - The Emotional Baker says
I’m always up for new granola bar recipes! I love that the oat bran worked. Can’t wait to try 😉
Maggie says
How long do these keep out of a fridge please
Heart of a Baker says
They could keep for 5-7 days!