Are you tired of boring, bland snacks that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your snacking experience with these mouthwatering Lemon Coconut Granola Bars that burst with tropical sunshine and irresistible flavor! Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced treat that combines the creamy richness of coconut, the tangy brightness of fresh lemon, and the wholesome crunch of rolled oats - all in one incredible bar that's not just delicious, but also surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and shredded coconut. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate saucepan, warm honey, coconut oil, and almond butter over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the liquid mixture, whisking to incorporate the bright citrus flavors evenly.
- Pour the warm liquid ingredients over the dry oats and coconut. Sprinkle salt and mix well, ensuring all dry ingredients are completely coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the top appears slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant citrus flavor - bottled juice just won't compare!
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly in the pan to ensure bars hold together perfectly.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, crisp edges.
- For extra texture, consider toasting the coconut and oats briefly before mixing.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce honey and add a touch of maple syrup.
- Store bars in a cool, dry place to maintain their perfect texture and freshness.
- For a protein boost, you can add chopped nuts or a scoop of protein powder to the dry ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg
