In preparation of our train trip to Santa Fe last weekend, I made these no-bake granola bars with maple-sweetened dark chocolate anticipating that the snack car offering would be slim (or not gluten-free).
True to form, high summer temps have finally arrived in Kansas City (which I secretly love) and the thought of making these granola bars without an oven was a welcome one.
Still in pursuit of grab-and-go snack and breakfast items I can utilize during the workweek, these no-bake granola bars with maple-sweetened dark chocolate definitely fit the bill. The maple-sweetened dark chocolate I dipped the bars in came from Jennifer Katzinger’s cookbook, Honey & Oats, and will likely be my go-to for dairy-free dark chocolate from now on.
You can easily sub in different types of nuts, or leave off the chocolate completely. Versatile and low-stress. Happy weekend, y’all!
No-Bake Granola Bars with Maple-Sweetened Dark Chocolate {GF + V}
Ingredients
- For the bars
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup raw pecans chopped
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts chopped
- 1/4 cup raw pepitas
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/4 cup creamy salted almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- For the maple-sweetened dark chocolate a melted dark chocolate bar can be substituted
- 8- ounce unsweetened chocolate bar chopped
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoons salt
Instructions
-
Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.
-
To toast nuts, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the almonds, pecans, walnuts, and pepitas on a cookie sheet and toast in oven for 5-8 minutes, careful not to burn.
-
Set toasted nuts aside and allow to cool. In a small saucepan, combine almond butter and maple syrup on low heat. Once thoroughly combined, add vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Place nuts in a large bowl, add chia seeds and almond butter mixture. Stir until nut mixture is evenly coated.
-
Transfer mixture to the lined baking dish, and using a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, press mixture into baking dish until packed.
-
Place baking dish in fridge for at least 30 minutes before removing from dish and cutting into bars.
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Once the bars are chilled and firm, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or metal bowl placed over a saucepan that has a few inches of simmering water (careful to not allow water to touch bowl). Use a rubber spatula to stir and scrape sides of bowl. When the chocolate has melted, whisk in vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt. Once combined, remove from heat.
-
Dip one side of each granola bar into chocolate and place on a piece of parchment paper to harden.
-
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from Minimalist Baker and maple-sweetened chocolate recipe from Jennifer Katzinger's Honey & Oats.
Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap for an easy way to grab-and-go.
Kathryne says
I’ll admit that I’m not a fan of pre-packaged granola bars but THESE. These looks totally awesome. Especially with those chocolate-dipped bottoms. Let’s hang out this weekend!
Tessa says
Thank you! YES, let’s!
Alissa says
hot dang these are hawt!
Tessa says
Haha, well, thank you!! :)
zeev says
” NOBAKE GRANOLA BARS WITH MAPLE_SWEETENED DARK CHOCOLATE”
your top line says ” made with 100% cacao” yet the recipe calls for melted bar. Please tell me how do use cacao.
I have made it with chocolate and it is outstanding, but today i am restricted (cannot find none dairy chocolate)
Zeev
Tessa says
Thanks, Zeev! I like to use Ghirardelli Chocolate Baking Bars for making the maple-sweetened dark chocolate. It is made from 100% cacao unsweetened chocolate and dairy-free. You could also buy Enjoy Life brand dark chocolate bars or chocolate chips for this. All of their products are dairy-free. You can find Enjoy Life brand products on Amazon. I hope this helps!
Sarah | Drool-Worthy says
Beautiful! Can’t wait to keep following your stuff! :)
Tessa says
Thanks so much, Sarah!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Gosh..these granola bars look so darn good! I wouldn’t be able to stop eating them until they were all gone!
Tessa says
Thanks, Angie! They can be a little addictive. :)
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
These are gorgeous and so simple! Thank you!
Tessa says
Thanks so much, Marissa! Hope you enjoy!
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Anna says
these look so perfect to eat on the go!!
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Tessa says
Thank you, Anna! One of my favorites!
Tricia says
THESE ARE SO DELICIOUS! I just made these and I absolutely love them :) Thanks for the great recipe!
Tessa says
Ah, thank you, Tricia! I am so glad you loved them. It is one of my favorites as well! :)
Rebecca says
I’m sorry but I hate maple anything can I substitute with agave or brown rice syrup?
Tessa says
I think brown rice syrup would work pretty well as a sub!