Healthy Double Chocolate Granola Bar Bites
These granola bars are perfect for anyone who loves chocolate! They’re soft and chewy, and they have a really rich flavor — yet not too sweet — and similar to 72% dark chocolate. These granola bar bites are perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or any time you’re craving chocolate! They’ll keep for at least four days (if not closer to a week!) if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- 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 (measured like this)
- 1 ½ cups (45g) crisp brown rice cereal
- 1 cup (100g) old-fashioned rolled oats (measured like this and gluten-free if necessary)
- 2 tbsp (28g) miniature chocolate chips (divided – and see Notes!)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
IMPORTANT MEASURING NOTE – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: It's extremely important to measure the cocoa powder and oats correctly, using this method or a kitchen scale. (← That’s the one I own!) Too much of either ingredient will dry out the mixture, 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.
IMPORTANT MINIATURE CHOCOLATE CHIP NOTE – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: 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!
IMPORTANT PAN SIZE NOTE –READ BEFORE BEGINNING: Measure your square baking pan before you begin! It should be 8" across the top rim of the pan. If it's 9" across the top of the pan but only 8" or 8 ½" across the bottom of the pan, that's still a 9"-square pan and too big for this recipe. (If you use a 9"-square pan, the mixture will barely cover the bottom when you press it into the pan!)
SWEETENER ALTERNATIVES: Honey or agave may be substituted for the pure maple syrup.
COCOA POWDER NOTES: I highly recommend using regular unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutched cocoa powder and special dark cocoa powder have a more muted flavor and don't taste as chocolaty or rich in this recipe. They also have a different acidity level, which can affect the taste and texture of baked goods.
BROWN RICE CEREAL NOTES + ALTERNATIVES: This is the brown rice cereal that I originally used. It's no longer sold in stores, but this one and this one are similar! Regular crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) may be substituted for the brown rice cereal. In a pinch, another option would be rice pocket cereal (like Rice Chex) that you’ve lightly crushed so it’s about ¼ of its original size.
OATS ALTERNATIVE: Instant oats (also called "quick cooking" and "one-minute" oats) may be substituted for the old-fashioned rolled oats. Do not substitute steel-cut oats; they don't soften properly.
GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: Use certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats (or certified gluten-free instant oats) and certified gluten-free brown rice cereal. (This brand, this brand, and this brand are all certified gluten-free!)
HOW TO STORE: Store leftover granola bar bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep for at least four days (if not closer to a week!).
{gluten-free, clean eating, low fat}
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?I'd love to hear what you think of it in a comment below! If you take a picture, tag @amys.healthy.baking on Instagram or use the hashtag #amyshealthybaking.