Epic Bacon Chocolate Chewy Granola Bar

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Honey (Prefer a light, mild honey for subtle flavor)
• 1/2 cup Coconut oil (Unrefined (virgin) coconut oil for best flavor)
• 1/4 tsp Salt (Fine sea salt)
• 3 cup Dry granola mix (rolled oats, brown‑rice crisp) (Combine rolled oats and puffed brown rice crisp in equal parts)
• 1 cup Mini marshmallows (Adds chew and sweetness)
• 1 cup Chocolate chips (Semi‑sweet chocolate chips work best)
• 1/2 cup Candy‑bacon bits (Pre‑cooked, candied bacon pieces (Epic Meal Time signature))

Instructions

1. Prepare the liquid sweetener

   Combine honey, coconut oil, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium‑high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a gentle boil and the coconut oil is fully melted.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat (approx. 180°F / 82°C)

2. Measure dry ingredients

   While the honey mixture is heating, measure 3 cups of the dry granola mix into a large mixing bowl. Add the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and candy‑bacon bits.

   Time: PT5M

3. Combine wet and dry

   When the honey mixture reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately pour the hot liquid over the dry ingredients. Using the silicone spatula, fold everything together until the dry mix is evenly coated and starts to clump.

   Time: PT5M

4. Press into pan

   Line the 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the sticky granola mixture into the pan. Using the back of a spoon or a flat spatula, press firmly and evenly to compact the bar. A tight press prevents crumbling later.

   Time: PT5M

5. Optional chocolate drizzle

   If desired, melt an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips in the microwave (30‑second bursts) and drizzle over the top of the pressed bar.

   Time: PT2M

6. Cool and cut

   Allow the bar to cool completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes) or place in the refrigerator to speed up setting. Once firm, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and cut into 12 equal squares or rectangles.

   Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

200

Protein

4 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

3 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
• Instead of Coconut oil: Butter, Vegetable oil
• Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
• Instead of Dry granola mix (rolled oats, brown‑rice crisp): Quinoa flakes, Cereal of choice
• Instead of Mini marshmallows: Regular marshmallows (cut small)
• Instead of Chocolate chips: Chopped chocolate bar, M&Ms
• Instead of Candy‑bacon bits: Cooked bacon crumbles, Maple‑glazed pork jerky

Equipment Needed

• Saucepan (medium)
• Large mixing bowl
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Kitchen scale (optional) (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Boiling the honey‑coconut oil mixture without burning it.
• Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bar holds together.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use a kitchen scale for precise honey and oil measurements – it improves consistency.
• For extra crunch, toast the oats and brown‑rice crisp lightly before mixing.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 24 hours, but may become sticky.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the bars a day ahead and keep refrigerated; they taste even better after the flavors meld.
• Wrap each bar individually for grab‑and‑go snacks.