25 Mar 2025
Cook time 19 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tsp coconut oil
1 banana
1/3 cup nonfat milk
1 tbsp honey
2 cups oats
1 cup frozen strawberries
Strawberry coconut granola bars are a healthy and delicious snack that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries and honey with the rich flavor of coconut. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or as a mid-day energy boost, these bars are both filling and nutritious. Using simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn't require advanced cooking skills.
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with a bit of coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Melt the Coconut Oil:
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1 teaspoon of coconut oil until it becomes liquid. Set aside.
3. Mash the Banana:
- In a mixing bowl, peel and mash the banana using a fork until it reaches a smooth consistency with minimal lumps.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add the nonfat milk, melted coconut oil, and honey to the mashed banana. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
5. Mix in Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the oats to the wet mixture. Stir until the oats are thoroughly incorporated and evenly coated with the mixture.
6. Add Strawberries:
- Gently fold in the frozen strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and press it down firmly to ensure it is compact.
8. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
9. Cool and Cut:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This will help the bars firm up and make them easier to cut.
10. Serve:
- Once cooled, slice the granola into bars of your desired size. These can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later.
11. Storage:
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw them at room temperature before eating.
Tips:
- For a more intense coconut flavor, consider toasting the oats in a dry pan for a few minutes before mixing them with the other ingredients.
- Make sure the banana is ripe for easier mashing and a sweeter taste.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors even more.
- Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure your bars hold together well.
- Let the baked granola bars cool completely before cutting them to prevent crumbling.
These strawberry coconut granola bars are a fantastic and versatile snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you're looking for a convenient breakfast option or a healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy the blend of fruity and nutty flavors along with the satisfying crunch in each bite.