A few weeks ago, my neighbor texted me to see if I needed anything from the specialty health foods grocery store across town. She explained how her three-year-old daughter refused to eat almost anything except chocolate, so she was headed over there to pick up groceries to make a new chocolate snack recipe she found online.
Later that afternoon, she texted me an update: her daughter liked the first bite! Yet after she saw her parents’ jubilant excitement over her verdict… She immediately turned her smile upside down and refused to eat any more.
Oops.
So to help my neighbors, I started brainstorming chocolate recipe ideas. According to them, the breakfasts or snacks needed to be pure chocolate… Otherwise, their daughter simply picked out the chocolate chips and left the rest of the plain muffin, scone, or snack cake completely untouched.
Last weekend, I tested out the first idea that popped into my head and walked down the street carrying a paper plate covered with chocolate snack squares. As soon as she saw me, the little girl asked her standard question. “Do you have chocolate?”
I laughed and showed her the plate. “I want to try one!” she exclaimed while reaching for a piece. As she chewed, her mom asked if she liked the snack… And she nodded and finished the next few bites too!
Her mom carried the plate inside, and I promised to send along the recipe. I continued to chat with her parents for another 15 or 20 minutes as they kept a watchful eye on their daughter riding her little scooter and bicycle up and down our deserted street.
At that point, the little girl insisted on going inside. We assumed she needed to use the restroom, so I helped her unbuckle her bicycle helmet and waved good-bye. A few minutes later, my phone buzzed with another text from her mom…
They had walked inside to find her seated on the couch, the plate of chocolate snacks on her lap, each little square disappearing into her mouth faster than you could say, “Chocolate!”
And of course, that plate of snacks held these Healthy Double Chocolate Granola Bar Bites! They taste as chocolaty as brownies, yet they’re super simple to make. You just need 7 ingredients and 30 minutes (or less)!
And judging by my little neighbor’s reaction… These chewy granola bar bites are definitely kid and adult approved!
Let’s talk about how to make these healthy double chocolate granola bar bites!
You’ll actually start with egg whites. No butter or oil in these healthy granola bars! The egg whites bind the granola bars together, and they add a protein boost, too. You’ll also mix in Greek yogurt, which keeps these healthy double chocolate granola bar bites soft and chewy while also increasing the protein content.
Low calorie granola bars + lots of protein + soft and chewy texture = my favorite combination!
Next, you’ll stir in pure maple syrup (like this!) to sweeten your healthy double chocolate granola bars, along with a pinch of salt. You want the kind of maple syrup that comes directly from maple trees! The only ingredient on the label should be “pure maple syrup.” It’s typically sold in this glass bottles or squat plastic jugs (like this!).
Time for the first chocolate component: unsweetened cocoa powder! I use the regular kind, like this. Because you’re adding an entire ½ cup, these healthy chocolate granola bars already taste really rich and chocolaty without Dutched or special dark cocoa powder. (I’ve also found that regular unsweetened cocoa powder has a much stronger chocolate taste than “special dark” cocoa powder!)
I briefly considered using just ¼ cup of cocoa powder… But when I remembered that this little girl loves chocolate as much as I do, I added ½ cup instead to be safe. Definitely a good decision! ?
You’ll actually use both old-fashioned oats and crisp brown rice cereal (this kind) in these healthy double chocolate granola bars! The oats provide that classic hearty texture, while the rice cereal adds a more chewy texture. I love pairing them together in granola bars and regular granola recipes!
And for the second chocolate component, you’ll use mini chocolate chips! These are my current favorite because they taste so rich and melt really well while baking. You want to use mini chocolate chips because regular-sized ones are too big and cause your granola bars to fall apart. The mini chips also ensure every bite contains a morsel of chocolate—the best part!
Then after a quick trip in the oven…
Try not to be tempted to eat the whole pan like my cute little neighbor! ? And when you make your own, remember to snap a picture and share it on Instagram using #amyshealthybaking and tagging @amyshealthybaking IN the photo itself! (That guarantees I’ll see your picture! ?) I’d love to see your healthy double chocolate granola bar bites!
| Healthy Double Chocolate Granola Bar Bites | | Print |
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- ¼ cup (60g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt, room temperature
- 3 tbsp (45mL) pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups (45g) crisp brown rice cereal
- 1 cup (100g) old-fashioned oats (measured like this and gluten-free if necessary)
- 2 tbsp (28g) miniature chocolate chips, divided
- Preheat the oven to 300°F, and coat an 8”-square pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites. Stir in the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and salt, mixing until thoroughly combined. Stir in the cocoa powder, smearing our any lumps along the side of the bowl. Stir in the rice cereal and oats. Gently fold in 1 ½ tablespoons of miniature chocolate chips.
- Gently press the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula, and gently press the remaining chocolate chips into the top. Bake at 300°F for 11-14 minutes or until the center feels firm to the touch. Cool completely to room temperature in the pan before slicing into squares.
This is the brown rice cereal that I use. Regular crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) may be substituted for the brown rice cereal. In a pinch, lightly crushed rice pocket cereal may also be substituted.
Instant oats may be substituted for the old-fashioned oats. Do not substitute steel-cut oats.
Remember to measure the cocoa powder and oats correctly, using this method or a kitchen scale. (← That’s the one I own and love!) Too much of either ingredient will dry out the batter, and the ingredients won’t fully incorporate. Too much cocoa powder will also make your granola bar bites taste bitter. If this happens to you, then add 1-2 tablespoons of milk (any type will work!) until all of the ingredients can be fully incorporated.
Honey or agave may be substituted for the pure maple syrup.
I do not recommend substituting regular-sized chocolate chips. Their bigger size causes the granola bar bites to fall apart. If you only have regular-sized chocolate chips, then chop them with a knife first!
{gluten-free, clean eating, low fat}
View Nutrition Information + Weight Watchers Points
You may also like Amy’s other recipes…
♡ Healthy Chocolate Chip Granola Bar Bites
♡ Healthy Carrot Cake Granola Bar Bites
♡ Healthy Apple Pie Granola Bar Bites
♡ Healthy Banana Nut Granola Bar Bites
♡ Healthy Strawberry Banana Granola Bars
♡ Healthy Raspberry Apple Granola Bars
These look delicious. I would love to try it with white miniature chocolate chips
That’s such a fun idea! I’d love to hear what you think of these granola bar bites if you do Nicole! 🙂
Love your site. Do have a question on these chocolate granola bites. Are they suppose to have some crunch to them because mine are just soft and not quite as tasty as the brownies or choc covered peanut butter cups. Both so good.
I really appreciate your interest in my recipes Rosaria! I’ve actually described their texture in the text directly underneath the recipe title in the recipe box. (I know it can be easy to miss!) If you read that, then you’ll find that they’re supposed to be soft and chewy — not crunchy! 🙂 I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my brownies and peanut butter cups recipes too!
Hi Amy, I have tried to print this recipe for the chocolate granola bars but it is not letting me print it. I have also tried printing other recipes of yours but I gust get a blank square. I love your recipes but I cannot print any of them off of my I-pad.
I really appreciate your interest in my recipes Myrna! Let’s see what we can do to solve that issue. 🙂 Are you clicking on the blue printer icon in the top right corner of the recipe box? I just tried that with this exact recipe on my iPad, and it brings up a pop-up for Printer Options with 1 page to print (the recipe in black text surrounded by a light gray box). If that’s what you’re doing and still getting a blank square, what OS is your iPad using? Have you tried printing from a different device, like your phone or computer? I’ll definitely bring this up with my web developer the next time we speak, especially the additional details about your iPad OS! 🙂
Why is this site’s verbiage in gray typeface? I cannot read gray!!! I cannot and will not cut and paste and then make the font black. Change your typeface to black. Gray is rude. No excuse for gray!!!
I truly appreciate your interest in my recipe Candy! My website designer and I are currently working on your request. I’d love to hear what you think of these granola bar bites if you decide to try them! (And if you click on the blue printer icon in the top right corner of the recipe, then a printable PDF should pop up where the recipe is displayed in black text! 🙂 )
Hullo, love your site! Just wondering, with this recipe could I use I whole egg instead of 2 egg whites?
Thank you.
I really appreciate your interest in my recipe Heather! You can use 2 whole eggs because the recipe does require 2 egg whites. 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think of these granola bar bites!
Hello, Amy 🙂 Finally had a chance to make these chocolate granola bar bites! They are so good and very chocolate-y. Will be a nice little treat with morning coffee or tea after dinner. Thank You!! Happy Pumpkin Season!
Do you need to whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks?
No, just whisk enough so they’re broken up and a little bit frothy/bubbly! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think of these granola bar bites Chloe!
Hey Amy
I simply love your recipes! I would love to try this one out, but we do not really have rice cereal in regular stores.
What could I substitute it with?
I really appreciate your interest in my recipe Layal! I’ve actually covered the best substitutes for the crisp brown rice cereal in the Notes section, located directly underneath the Instructions. I know it can be easy to miss! 🙂 I’d love to hear what you think if you try these granola bar bites!
Oh sorry I forgot to mention that it’s rice cereal in general – could I maybe use some more oats?
No worries Layal — thanks for the additional information! I believe some readers have had luck with Cheerios, if your grocery store stocks those. Otherwise, you may substitute additional oats, but just remember that the texture will be different (usually denser and a little less chewy!) and the nutrition information will definitely be different (if that matters to you!). 🙂 I’m excited to hear what you think of these!