14 Jun {The Recipe Redux} sponsored recipe contest: Doughy Honey Coconut Granola Bars

[Disclosure: By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by National Honey Board and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.]

Intern Kylie here!

Honey is one of those ingredients that I always have in my pantry.  From making a peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich to adding a little sweetness to my plain greek yogurt, honey is just the perfect addition to so many kitchen creations.

Plus, the majority of the time it comes in a cute, little bear-shaped bottle.

Now, I realize granola bars aren’t really a novel concept.  Most of us have probably made granola bars or at least eaten them while hiking a mountain (or in my case, hiking on flat ground since Houston, Texas doesn’t have too many mountains).  But sometimes, simple, classic things are good.  Classic things like Frank Sinatra, Norman Rockwell and Chia Pets…all totally great things.  Okay, the greatness of Chia Pets is debatable.  But granola bars are definitely one of those classic, great things.

Now these granola bars taste slightly doughy.  There is just no other way to describe them.  And I love doughy things.  I really do respect all peoples’ opinions but when it comes to the crunchy vs. doughy cookie debate…I can’t even entertain arguments for why crunchy cookies are better than doughy ones.  It should also be noted that one of the greatest discoveries of my life was vegan cookies…because that meant I could eat the cookie dough (…without the concern for raw egg consumption).

So doughy granola bars it is.  The typically granulated sugar packed granola bars are given a facelift with the addition of honey.  The result is a subtly sweet granola bar with a texture that is something to rave about.  These granola bars are a great idea for holidays/entertaining/summer parties because they can be given to your guests as party favors!  Simple package up 3 bars by wrapping each one individually with parchment paper and a piece of string.  Place 3 bars in a colorful bag and voila…edible party favors that your guests are sure to love.  Or you could always just cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them as party snacks that everyone is sure to love.

Doughy Honey Coconut Granola Bars

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened

1 Tbsp oat flour

½ cup ground flaxseed

¼ cup pecans, halves

¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped

¼ tsp salt

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1/3 cup honey

¼ tsp vanilla

3 Tbsp mashed banana

¼ cup mini chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, flour, flaxseed, pecans and salt.  Stir everything until combined well.

In a microwave safe bowl, add coconut oil and honey.  Microwave for 20 seconds, stirring after 10 seconds, until melted and thin.  Stir in vanilla and mashed banana.

Pour coconut oil mixture into dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.  Stir in the chocolate chips.

Line a 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper.  Scoop dough into the dish and firmly press the dough into the dish.  Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting.  Cut into 10-12 bars.  Wrap individually in parchment paper and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

‘); // ]]>