Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars Recipe
If you have a craving for a sweet yet nourishing snack that feels like a little celebration in every bite, these Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars are exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh raspberries, toasted coconut, and wholesome oats, they are a perfect harmony of tartness, texture, and natural sweetness. Each bar is packed with fiber and good fats, making them an ideal grab-and-go treat that fuels your body without any guilt. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, an afternoon boost, or a post-workout pick-me-up, these bars are reliably delicious and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the magic behind these Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars calls for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a unique role—whether it’s boosting flavor, adding crunch, or binding everything beautifully together.
- Gluten free quick cooking oats: The hearty base that provides texture and fiber while keeping everything bound.
- Coconut oil, melted: Adds a subtle tropical richness along with healthy fats to keep the bars moist.
- Peanut butter: Brings creaminess and a nutty depth to complement the fruit and spices.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that gently holds the ingredients together and balances the tartness of raspberries.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and ties all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch for a cozy, comforting hint that elevates the spice profile.
- Ground cinnamon: This classic spice brings warmth and subtle sweetness to every bite.
- Sea salt: A sprinkle to enhance all the natural flavors and provide that necessary balance.
- Chia seeds: Tiny powerhouses adding nutrition plus a slight crunch.
- Flax seeds: Adds earthiness and an omega-3 boost.
- Sliced almonds: A crunchy nutty texture that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the bars.
- Shredded or shaved coconut: Delivers chewy, sweet flavor and a tropical flair.
- Pepitas: Toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and a hint of earthiness.
- Fresh raspberries: The star ingredient providing juicy bursts of tart freshness throughout these Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars.
How to Make Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oats
Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚F and lining an 8×10 baking pan with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures an easy release and clean edges. Then, take half a cup of your oats and pulse them in a food processor or a grinder until they resemble a light flour. This step helps create a better binding base for your bars.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your oat flour with the rest of the oats, melted coconut oil, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, sea salt, chia seeds, flax seeds, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and pepitas. Stir well until every ingredient is fully incorporated into a thick and sticky dough. This mixture holds all the good stuff together and promises that ideal chewy texture.
Step 3: Gently Fold In the Raspberries
Here comes the fun part—carefully folding in your fresh raspberries. Don’t worry if some get a little smooshed; their juices enhance the flavor and natural sweetness. Just be gentle so you keep lots of those beautiful berry bursts throughout the bars.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly onto your prepared baking pan. It’s okay if it’s a little rustic looking—this is homemade magic! Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars turn a gorgeous golden color. The baking melds the flavors and creates that irresistible slightly crisp edge.
Step 5: Cool and Chill Overnight
Once the bars come out of the oven, allow them to cool on a wire rack just enough to handle. Then transfer the pan to the fridge and let it chill overnight. This crucial step helps solidify the bars, making them easier to cut and enhancing their chewy texture.
How to Serve Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars
Garnishes
To elevate your Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars, sprinkle a few extra pepitas or toasted coconut flakes on top just before serving. A light drizzle of honey or a dusting of cinnamon also adds a lovely finishing touch and makes them look as amazing as they taste.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a cold glass of almond milk. They’re excellent alongside a warm cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack or a quick breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress friends? Arrange the bars on a pretty platter lined with fresh raspberry leaves or edible flowers. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them with small spoons for an adorable breakfast or snack platter at your next brunch gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll remain chewy and delicious for up to a week, making them a perfect batch-prep snack for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic or parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Enjoy your bars warm by briefly microwaving for 10 to 15 seconds or warming them gently in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings out the flavors and makes the texture wonderfully soft and comforting, like a little homemade treat just for you.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen raspberries, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy. Fresh berries work best to maintain texture and flavor.
Are these bars vegan-friendly?
These bars can easily be made vegan by swapping honey for pure maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based and wholesome.
Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work wonderfully and provide subtle variations in flavor and creaminess.
What makes these granola bars healthy?
These bars focus on whole food ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit without added refined sugars or preservatives. They provide fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from honey and raspberries, making them a nourishing snack choice.
How do I prevent the bars from crumbling?
Ensuring your coconut oil and peanut butter are well melted and mixing everything thoroughly helps bind the ingredients. Chilling the bars overnight is key to firming them up for sturdy, neat slices.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a treat that feels indulgent but is actually good for you, these Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars will soon become your new favorite. Simple to make, full of vibrant flavor, and perfect for any time of day, they bring joy with every bite. Trust me, once you give them a try, you’ll be making these bars over and over to share with friends and family.
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Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus overnight chilling
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Healthy Raspberry Coconut Granola Bars are a deliciously nutritious snack perfect for breakfast or anytime energy boost. Made with gluten-free oats, coconut oil, peanut butter, and fresh raspberries, these bars combine wholesome ingredients with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The addition of chia seeds, flax seeds, almonds, and pepitas boosts the fiber and protein content, while the natural sweetness of honey and raspberries keeps them tasty and guilt-free.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups gluten free quick cooking oats
- ½ cup gluten free quick cooking oats (pulsed to flour)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1–2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup shredded or shaved coconut
- ¼ cup pepitas
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Line an 8×10 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Prepare Oat Flour: Using a food processor or grinder, pulse ½ cup of the gluten-free quick cooking oats until they reach a fine flour-like consistency. This helps bind the bars together and improves texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, remaining oats, melted coconut oil, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, sea salt, chia seeds, flax seeds, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and pepitas. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated into a cohesive mixture.
- Fold in Raspberries: Gently fold the fresh raspberries into the mixture. Be careful to not crush the berries too much, but some breaking is expected to help flavor the bars throughout.
- Spread Dough: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly in a flat layer, pressing down lightly to compact it.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bars turn a light golden color along the edges.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool on a wire rack until they are easy to handle. Then place the pan in the refrigerator and chill overnight to firm up.
- Cut and Serve: Once chilled completely, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into desired sizes. Serve and enjoy these healthy granola bars as a nutritious snack!
Notes
- Using fresh raspberries adds natural sweetness but may cause the bars to be slightly softer. For firmer bars, freeze the raspberries beforehand or reduce quantity.
- Feel free to substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Ensure all oats are certified gluten free to maintain the gluten free status of this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: healthy granola bars, gluten free snack, raspberry granola bars, coconut granola bars, homemade granola bars, nutritious snack, peanut butter granola bars
