Chocolate Covered Granola Bars

Okay, let's talk about the ultimate healthy-meets-indulgent snack: Chocolate Covered Granola Bars. They're gooey, crunchy, salty-sweet, and wrapped in a thick layer of dark chocolate. These bars give candy bar energy with whole food ingredients-and yes, they're naturally gluten-free. Whether you're reaching for a mid-afternoon bite or a post-dinner sweet treat, these no-bake bars are everything.

And the best part? You can make them in under 10 minutes with pantry staples! ✨🤎 Try it with my Cinnamon Peanut Butter recipe! Love healthy bars? You have to try my Sweet Potato Bars!

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Why You'll Love These Chocolate Covered Granola Bars

These bars check every box for a snack that actually satisfies. They're the kind of snack that looks like dessert and feels like fuel!

• Healthy candy bar alternative with no weird additives
• No-bake and made in one bowl-because life is busy
• Gluten-free, dairy-free optional, and made with real ingredients
• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
• Packed with fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats
• Customizable-add whatever seeds, nuts, or dried fruit you love

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what goes into these homemade chocolate granola bars:

• Peanut Butter - natural, creamy works best (no added oils or sugar)
• Maple Syrup - for sweetness and stickiness
• Raisins - a chewy contrast to the crunchy bits
• Peanuts - for salty crunch
• Chia Seeds - for fiber and healthy fats
• Pumpkin Seeds - adds a toasted nuttiness
• Hemp Seeds - protein-rich and nutty
• Gluten-Free Oats - the base that binds everything together
• Dark Chocolate Chips - rich, slightly bitter, and indulgent
• Sea Salt - enhances all the flavors

How to Make Chocolate Covered Granola Bars

This recipe comes together in minutes, and the hardest part is waiting for the chocolate to set. Here's how to do it:

Start by mixing peanut butter and maple syrup in a large bowl until smooth. Add in raisins, peanuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and gluten-free oats. Stir until everything is well-coated and sticky.

Fold in ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips. These will melt slightly and create little pockets of chocolate inside. Line a small baking dish or loaf pan with parchment paper and press the mixture in evenly. Really pack it down-it helps the bars hold their shape.

Melt the remaining ¾ cup of chocolate chips, pour over the top, and spread evenly. Sprinkle with sea salt (don't skip this), then chill in the fridge or freezer until firm. Once set, slice into bars or squares and enjoy!

Are These Granola Bars Gluten-Free?

Yes! These chocolate covered granola bars are completely gluten-free-as long as you're using certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats can be cross-contaminated during processing, so always double-check if you're sensitive or celiac.

If you need a grain-free version, swap oats for puffed quinoa, crushed gluten-free crisped rice, or finely shredded coconut.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Here's where you can make these bars your own:

• Nut-Free - Use sunflower seed butter and swap peanuts for sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• No Maple Syrup? - Use honey or brown rice syrup.
• Add Protein - Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of protein powder or collagen peptides.
• Chocolate-Free Option - Leave off the topping and just use chips inside.
• More Fruit - Add chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or dates.
• Make it Paleo - Use coconut flakes, nut butter, and leave out oats.

This recipe is flexible. As long as the base ratio of wet to dry is balanced, you can customize endlessly.

Nutrition Breakdown

These bars are not just delicious-they're nutritionally balanced too. Here's what one bar generally delivers:

• Healthy fats from peanut butter, hemp, chia, and pumpkin seeds
• Plant-based protein to keep you full
• Fiber from oats and seeds
• Antioxidants from dark chocolate
• No refined sugar

Perfect as a healthy snack, breakfast on-the-go, or even dessert.

Fun Granola Bar Recipe Variations

One of the best things about these homemade chocolate granola bars is how easy they are to customize.

Tropical Chocolate Granola Bars
For a summery twist, swap the raisins for chopped dried mango, pineapple, or banana chips. Use cashew butter instead of peanut butter, and sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes on top of the melted chocolate. These no-bake bars give major beach-side energy while still being gluten-free and refined sugar-free.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars
Create a nostalgic flavor by folding freeze-dried strawberries or chopped dried cherries into the mix. Swirl in a spoonful of natural fruit jam before pressing the mixture into the pan. It's a healthy, homemade spin on your favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich-packed into a snack bar.

Mocha Chocolate Granola Bars
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the base mixture and use dark chocolate espresso chips on top. These no-bake bars are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up and taste like a coffeehouse treat with a protein boost from hemp and chia seeds.

Almond Butter Chocolate Granola Bars
Use almond butter in place of peanut butter and fold in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans. These bars are packed with healthy fats and have a slightly different flavor profile that still complements the dark chocolate coating beautifully.

Grain-Free Chocolate Granola Bars
For a grain-free or paleo-friendly version, replace the oats with puffed quinoa, unsweetened coconut flakes, or crushed grain-free cereal. You'll still get that chewy texture and nutrient-dense profile, but without the grains-perfect for anyone avoiding oats or following a grain-free diet.

Samoa-Inspired Granola Bars
Channel your favorite Girl Scout cookie by adding toasted coconut and a handful of chopped dates to the base. Drizzle with a little almond butter or melted coconut butter before pouring the chocolate topping. This version is indulgent yet still made with whole food ingredients.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months-wrap individually for easy grab-and-go snacks.

They're best cold, straight from the fridge, especially in warm weather when chocolate can melt.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Enjoy!

These Chocolate Covered Granola Bars taste like something you shouldn't be eating-but they're full of nourishing, wholesome ingredients. They're quick to make, endlessly customizable, and a total hit for adults and kids alike. Whether you're sneaking one as a sweet bite after dinner or tossing one in your bag before work, they've got your back.

Make them once, and I promise-they'll become a staple! Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy ✨

📖 Recipe