No Bake Dark Chocolate Granola Bites- Courtesy of Mel’s Kitchen Cafe (originally posted May 16, 2014)

I found this tasty, little recipe just recently and was delighted by how easy it was. Less guilt-inducing than brownies or cake, these no-bake granola bites are loaded with chocolate but are also full of healthy ingredients, too (oats and almonds, for instance). They make a perfect snack or treat for both adults and kids. And the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, as extras will keep in the fridge for a couple weeks.

For a chocolate-free, healthier version of this snack, check out this link from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe:
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/no-bake-healthy-granola-bites/

No Bake Dark Chocolate Granola Bites- Courtesy of Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

Serving Size: Makes 2-3 dozen granola bites

NOTES: If using whole almonds, be sure they are chopped into fairly small pieces. If the almonds bits are too big, the granola mixture is harder to form into balls that stick together. If you use regular old-fashioned oats, try pulsing them in a blender or food processor very lightly so they break down just a bit. If you aren’t familiar with cacao nibs, they are essentially raw pieces of chocolate that haven’t been ground and sweetened yet (they are slightly bitter like cocoa powder). They add a nice depth of flavor and crunchy texture but really are optional.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
• 1 cup sliced or chopped almonds
• 3 tablespoons cacao nibs (optional)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin coconut oil
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup natural unsweetened or Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats and salt.
2. In a 10 or 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add the coconut, almonds and cacao nibs, if using. Toast the ingredients, stirring often to prevent burning, for 5-6 minutes until the aroma is nutty and the coconut and nuts are turning slightly golden. Toss the mixture with the oats.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, coconut oil, peanut butter, vanilla, cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop the mixture into tablespoon-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the little mounds sit for 10 minutes or so until they have cooled and are less sticky.
6. Roll the mounds into balls using firm pressure with the palms of your hands.
7. Refrigerate the granola bites for 1-2 hours to set up. They can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks (or freeze for several months). They taste great out of the refrigerator but are even better if left to sit at room temperature for just a few minutes before eating.