These Chocolate Granola Bars with Protein are chocolaty, crunchy, and nutty with just the right amount of maple sweetness. All without cranking up the heat as they are no-bake. They come together in minutes. Be sure to make a double batch, because these won't last long.

Chocolate Granola Bars with Protein are perfect for long summer days at the river, school lunch, evening snack, or a good chocolate craving. These are especially simple to make. Sometimes one more thing to complete the food prep list might feel rather overwhelming but that is not the case with the simplicity of this recipe.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter-adds a richness
Maple syrup-adds just a touch of sweetness
Almond butter-adds a nuttiness. Costco sells an Organic almond butter at an affordable price.
Gluten free oats-I use One Degree Organics Sprouted Oats as they are easier to digest and more of the nutrients can be absorbed. They can be found at most health food stores.
Puffed rice cereal-adds a crunch (I like using Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps from One Degree Organics)
Chocolate protein powder-I use Equip protein powder. Protein powder is a great way to add extra protein for kids, especially if an extra protein boost is necessary.
Sea salt-A little salt helps bring out the flavor of the chocolate more. I like to use Redmond Real Salt.
Dark chocolate chips-who doesn’t love a little extra creamy chocolate? My favorite chocolate chips are from Azure Standard. Coconut sugar is also used to sweeten the granola bars instead of white sugar.
Vanilla

See recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

First, lightly grease and 8x8 baking pan with coconut oil or butter. Next, line the pan both directions with parchment paper that overhangs on the rim all the way around.

This next section could be done in a microwave if that is your preference. Furthermore, use a glass bowl. Heat on high and check every 10-15 seconds to ensure the chocolate is melting evenly.

Next, grab a small saucepan and fill it with 2-3 inches of water. Next, place a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the saucepan. Add butter, maple syrup, and almond butter to the heatproof bowl. Turn the small burner to medium and place the small saucepan with heatproof bowl on top. Ensure the water stays at a low constant simmer. Stir with a rubber spatula until all the ingredients are incorporated. Remove the pan from the stove and set the bowl aside.

Next, add the oats, puffed rice cereal, chocolate protein powder, sea salt, vanilla, and chocolate chips to the same heatproof bowl. Mix with the rubber spatula until all the ingredients are incorporated evenly.

Additionally, pour the mixture into the prepared 8x8 pan. Incorporate the mixture evenly inside the pan. Lastly, use your hands to press the mixture down so they don’t fall apart after they have cooled when cutting into them.

Meanwhile, allow the bars to cool in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes or in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Cut the bars into 12 equal portions. Serve and enjoy!

Substitutions

Almond Butter - instead of almond butter use peanut butter. I have not tried other nut butters so please use other nut butters at your own discretion.
Chocolate Protein Powder - try vanilla if you don’t have chocolate protein on hand. The chocolate flavor will not be as strong. I wouldn't suggest using plain protein powder.
Maple Syrup - Instead of maple syrup, try using honey.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.

Bars do well freezing for up to a month. Meanwhile, if you need to stack the bars, place parchment paper between the top and bottom row to keep from sticking together.

Top tip

Make sure you compact the granola mixture enough or the bar ingredients will not come together. You will not enjoy crumbly bars. It may take additional time, but the end result will be a delicious and cohesive protein bar.