Dark Chocolate Espresso Granola Bars

These “kinda” clean Dark Chocolate Espresso Granola Bars are absolutely phenomenal! I was a little concerned during the preparation of the granola bars as I quite unfamiliar with making granola or granola bars, but am quite pleased with the results. The recipe is easy to follow and I had most of the ingredients in my pantry (or cupboard for you Southern folk!).

Dark Chocolate Espresso Granola Bars

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• Author: Whitney Carlson
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 bars 1x

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (choose a clean protein powder)
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 2 oz dark chocolate-covered espresso beans (70% or higher cocoa content)
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, softened
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (no HFCS) or almond extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a wooden spoon to combine.
3. Spread mixture evenly in a 9″ X 9″ baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden around edges.
4. Let cool and slice into 8 bars. Refrigerate leftovers.

Notes

• Gluten Free Version: Use Gluten-Free Rolled Oats and Gluten-Free Flour as alternatives.
• Adapted from: Oxygen Magazine, “Cocoa Before Cardio – Reader of the Month Recipe”, October 2011

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American