Name: Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups rolled oats; 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour; 1/2 cup salted pistachios, chopped; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup coconut oil; 1/2 cup honey; 2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste; 3/4 cup chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons coconut oil (for drizzling)

If you’re on the lookout for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious, look no further than these Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars combine the rich and nutty flavor of pistachios with the delightful chewiness of coconut. Perfect for breakfast on the go, a midday energy boost, or a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are sure to become your new favorite! Let’s dive into why they are my go-to and how you can whip them up effortlessly.

Why It’s My Go-To

These Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars are my go-to recipe for several reasons. First, they are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a quick breakfast or as a post-workout snack. The combination of oats, nuts, and coconut provides a perfect balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day. Plus, they’re easy to make, and the ingredients are flexible enough to suit your pantry. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer a more savory flavor, these bars can be adjusted to fit your preferences.

What Goes In

To create these delightful Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 cups rolled oats – The base of the bars, providing fiber and heartiness.
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour – Adds a nutty flavor and light texture.
1/2 cup salted pistachios, chopped – Provides crunch and a rich, nutty taste.
1/2 cup almond flour – Enhances the nutty flavor and adds moisture.
1/2 cup shredded coconut – Offers chewiness and sweetness.
1/3 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with binding.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise slightly for a lighter texture.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter – Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients.
1/4 cup coconut oil – Adds flavor and moisture.
1/2 cup honey – A natural sweetener that binds the bars together.
2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste – Adds a fragrant vanilla flavor.
3/4 cup chocolate chips – For a touch of sweetness and indulgence.
2 tablespoons coconut oil – For drizzling over the bars for added flavor.

Essential Tools for Success

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Mixing bowls – For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
Spatula – To mix and spread the mixture evenly in the pan.
Baking pan (9×13 inch) – The perfect size for these granola bars.
Parchment paper – For easy removal of the bars from the pan.

The Method for Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars.

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, here’s how to make these scrumptious Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat pastry flour, almond flour, shredded coconut, salt, brown sugar, and baking soda. Mix well until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Melt Wet Ingredients

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and coconut oil together until fully liquid. Remove from heat and stir in the honey and vanilla bean paste until combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the melted wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined. Fold in the chopped pistachios and chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Press into the Pan

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly. This step is crucial to ensure that the bars hold together once baked.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing them into bars.

Step 8: Drizzle with Coconut Oil

(Optional) For an extra touch, melt the additional 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and drizzle it over the cooled bars for added flavor and shine.

How to Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to lighten these Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars, consider the following adjustments:

Replace half of the butter with additional coconut oil.
Use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or stevia in place of brown sugar.
Incorporate more nuts and seeds while reducing the amount of oats slightly.
Opt for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor with less sugar.

Cook’s Commentary

These Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars are wonderfully customizable! Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preferences. You might swap the pistachios for almonds or add some dried cranberries for a pop of tartness. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to maintain the overall ratios of wet to dry ingredients to ensure the bars hold together nicely. Enjoy them fresh, or pack them for a nutritious snack on the go!

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

These granola bars are perfect for meal prep! Once cooled and sliced, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!

Common Qs About Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars.

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the pistachios for your favorite nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain the texture.

How do I know when the granola bars are done baking?

When the edges start to turn golden brown, and the center looks set, your granola bars are ready! They will firm up more once they cool down, so be careful not to overbake them.

Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, you can! If you want to boost the protein content, simply add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients. Adjust the wet ingredients slightly if needed, as protein powder can absorb moisture.

What can I use instead of honey?

If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar can be excellent substitutes for honey in this recipe. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor.

Wrap-Up

Creating your own Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars is not only satisfying but also a fulfilling way to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients. With simple steps and a few tweaks, you can personalize these bars to suit your taste buds, making them a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you indulge in them as a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a delightful treat, these bars are a fantastic way to enjoy the delicious combination of pistachios, coconut, and chocolate. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some delicious memories in the kitchen with these Chewy Pistachio Macaroon Granola Bars!