Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/3 cup brown rice syrup (or sub honey for non-vegan version)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp fine grain sea salt
- 1–1/2 cups quick-cooking/instant oats
- 1–1/2 cups crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup cacao nibs*
- Optional: 1 cup (8 oz) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil, leaving at least a 1-inch overhang on all sides. Set aside.
- In a medium sauce pot, heat the almond butter, brown rice syrup and maple syrup over medium-low heat, stirring with a heat-proof spatula until combined. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla and salt, and stir until smooth.
- Meanwhile, combine the oats, rice cereal, coconut and cacao nibs in a mixing bowl. When the almond butter mixture is completely melted, remove the pot from the heat and add the dry ingredients. Gently stir to combine. At first it will seem like there isn’t enough liquid – keep mixing until completely combined.
- Pour the granola into the prepared pan, and use a spatula to firmly pack into an even layer. Cover loosely with foil and refrigerate until the bars have set up, about 2 hours.
- Remove from the pan and peel away the foil. Place on a cutting board, and use a very sharp chef’s knife to slice into bars.
- Optional: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on medium-power for 1 minute. Stir, then microwave again for another 30 seconds. Stir. Continue in 30 second increments, as required, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Pour into a piping bag, or use a spoon, to lightly drizzle the melted chocolate over the granola bars. Let cool until hardened, about 30 minutes.
- May be stored for up to month in a ziplock bag or air-tight container.