Tropical Paradise Granola Bars

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Welcome to your new favorite snack: Tropical Paradise Granola Bars. These bars are a delightful balance of sweet, nutty, and chewy goodness, perfect for a quick breakfast or a midday pick-me-up.

Ingredients for Tropical Paradise Granola Bars

Rolled oats form the hearty base of the bars, providing a chewy texture and wholesome nutrients. Dried pineapple adds a burst of sweetness and tropical flair. Unsweetened coconut flakes contribute a subtle richness and tropical aroma. Macadamia nuts offer a creamy crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet ingredients. Honey acts as a natural sweetener and binding agent, while coconut oil helps keep the bars moist and adds a hint of coconut flavor. Brown sugar deepens the sweetness without overpowering the tropical notes. A touch of vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chop the pineapple and nuts small for a more even distribution in every bite.
  • Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press the mixture firmly into the pan.
  • For a firmer bar, chill them in the fridge for an hour before cutting.

Serving Suggestions

These tropical bars are fantastic on their own, but for a little extra, try serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a few fresh pineapple chunks. They pair beautifully with a light herbal tea or a refreshing iced coconut water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are preferred for their texture, but you can use quick oats in a pinch. Just note the texture will be less chewy.
What can I substitute for macadamia nuts?
Cashed nuts or almonds would work well as substitutes if macadamia nuts aren't available.
How long do these bars last?
Stored in an airtight container, these bars should last up to a week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.

Tropical Paradise Granola Bars Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. This little trick makes removing the bars a breeze.

In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, dried pineapple, coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, so each bite gets a taste of all the flavors.

Grab a small saucepan and combine the honey, coconut oil, brown sugar, and salt. Heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally until everything melts together into a smooth, sweet syrup. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour this golden mixture over your dry ingredients and stir until every oat and nut is coated. This is your moment to shine—mix thoroughly to ensure every bit is sticky and sweet.

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. Compacting it well helps the bars stick together better.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are a lovely golden brown. Let it cool completely in the pan before you even think about cutting them. Trust me, patience pays off here.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut for a refreshing twist.
  • Easy to make with simple pantry staples.
  • Perfectly chewy with a satisfying crunch from macadamia nuts.
  • Natural sweetness from honey, making it a healthier choice.
  • Great for meal prep and on-the-go snacking.

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup dried pineapple, chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/3 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried pineapple, coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts.
3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, coconut oil, brown sugar, and salt over low heat. Stir until everything is melted and mixed well.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well coated.
6. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.

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