Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced treat that combines the rich, caramel-like sweetness of dulce de leche with the wholesome crunch of granola and the decadent melt of chocolate chips. These Dulce de Leche Granola Cookie Bars are not just a dessert – they're a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and almond flour. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey, dulce de leche, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is completely incorporated and the mixture begins to clump together.
- Fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire batch out of the pan and cut into 12 even bars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: The key to exceptional bars lies in fresh, premium ingredients. Look for pure vanilla extract and good-quality dulce de leche.
- Don't skip the parchment paper: This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking, making your bars look perfectly clean-cut.
- Press the mixture firmly: When transferring to the pan, really compress the mixture to ensure the bars hold together well when cut.
- Watch the baking time carefully: Ovens can vary, so start checking at 20 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, but be careful not to overbake.
- Allow complete cooling: Patience is crucial! Let the bars cool entirely to ensure they set properly and cut cleanly.
- Customize your mix-ins: Feel free to swap chocolate chips with nuts, dried fruits, or alternative chips to make the recipe your own.
- Storage hack: For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 5mg
