I truly dread saying this, but summer is winding down. (Insert sad face here)
Advertisements for the State Fair are in full force.
Target has an abundance of no. 2 pencils, 3 ring binders, and Justin Bieber folders. And has had them for several weeks now.
Plus, according to a random friend on Facebook, kids are back in school!? Well, some of them.
Let’s prepare with homemade granola bars. These would make a lunchbox that much more exciting or simply as a nice afternoon treat.
You can really create your own concoction here. I’ve decided to combine chocolate (surprised?), sliced almonds, and flaked coconut in these. It was a superb decision.
I originally found this Chocolate Granola Bar recipe from Shelly at Cookies & Cups. Seriously good eye candy over there, check ‘er out.
- 1 (16 oz.) package Chocolate CANDIQUIK Coating
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1½ cups rolled oats (I used quick oats)
- ½ cups sweetened flaked coconut + 2 Tbsp for garnish
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter
- Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl combine cereal, oats, coconut and almonds; set aside.
- In a small saucepan combine the butter and honey. Bring to a boil and boil on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add peanut butter; stir until combined.
- Note: while the honey and butter are boiling, melt the CANDIQUIK according to the package directions.
- Pour CANDIQUIK and the peanut butter mixture over the dry mixture and fold gently to combine.
- Press evenly into prepared pan using wax paper.
- Sprinkle with remaining coconut.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour and then cut into bars.
- Store in a covered container in the fridge.
These were a hit with everyone that tried them. They were a dense, crispy, crunchy, chocolatey bar. The coconut was noticeable, but not overwhelming at all. The almonds, I’m sure they went unnoticed. You could definitely add peanuts or any other nut in place of these.
My friend who ‘hates peanut butter’ even ate them…(who hates peanut butter?)
I didn’t mention that peanut butter was in the recipe and somehow, someway, he didn’t notice. Until he reads this post.
I used parchment paper to dress them up a little – plus I thought this would be handy for eating, less mess. Warm hands + chocolate…
Happy (non) Baking!
Linked to: Mrs. Happy Homemaker, Crazy for Crust, Bru Crew Life, DJ’s Sugar Shack, Something Swanky, Chocolate, Chocolate & More, Sweet Bella Roos, Kitchen Fun w/ my 3 Sons
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
I love granola bars in my lunch box! And well, even when I’m out of school, too. Homemade ones sound awesome even though I’ve never tried them–but since I can’t resist these Almond Joy-esque bars, you know I’m gonna try them.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I love these! Perfect for my daughter for school. I’m sad summer is ending…but I’m so happy at the same time, lol.
Sarah @ Candiquik says
Haha, I’m sure I’ll someday experience the ‘joy’ of the summer ending…school year beginning!
sue @ cakeballs, cookies and more says
oh yummy!
Heather@French Press says
I love making granola bars – hopefully my kids eat them instead of trading:) these looks amazing
Jocelyn says
Almond Joy granola bars…I am in love with these!!!! Crazy that the summer is over already but I am totally ready for the routine to start happening!!! Granola bars will be included in this routine!!
Sarah @ Candiquik says
Totally should have titled them Almond Joy Granola Bars – haha. Thanks for stopping by!
Emily at SweetBellaRoos says
Mmm almond & coconut? Count me in. Thanks for linking up at Pin It Thursday!
Debi Recipes For My Boys says
LOVE LOVE This! Thank you for sharing on Thursday’s Treasures week 46. <3 and hugs!
Sarah @ Candiquik says
Thanks for stopping by Debi!
Joan@Chocolate and More says
Sarah, this is the perfect treat for after school, sweet but still a bit on the healthy side! Thanks for sharing and I’ll be featuring this at tomorrow’s Thursday’s Treasures!
Sarah @ Candiquik says
Yay!!! Thanks Joan!