Copycat Heavenly Hunk Dark Chocolate Chunks Recipe

This Heavenly Hunks copycat recipe is delicious and dare I say better than the store bought kind. This recipe is made with real ingredients you likely have in your pantry and is a slightly healthier version of the original with less sugar and more protein. These homemade Heavenly Hunks will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you satiated thanks to the added protein and healthy fats. 

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make these delicious little oatmeal dark chocolate chunks.

Ingredients for Making Heavenly Hunks

Old-Fashioned Oats: Oats give these little gems their slightly chewy texture while adding a few grams of gut friendly fiber. Old fashioned or instant oats both work perfectly for this recipe. If you need gluten free, be sure to look for oat options that specifically call out being gluten free on the packaging. 

Maple syrup: This is what sweetens the bars in lieu of the store bought brand that uses organic brown rice syrup. We prefer the taste of the maple syrup and it works well as a binding agent for the dry ingredients while adding a touch of sweetness. 

Shredded coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut is what we recommend for this recipe and can be found in the baking aisle of the grocery store. I have also used sweetened coconut shreds when that is what I had in my pantry and they turned out delicious too. The original Heavenly Hunks include organic coconut shreds, but I'd tell you to save your money and not worry about the organic as they will be very hard to find and not necessary.

Protein powder: I use this vanilla whey protein powder which is sweetened with monk fruit. Feel free to use your favorite vanilla protein powder whether it's plant-based or whey. This is a great way to add in some extra protein which will help keep you feeling fuller longer. 

Coconut oil: Melted coconut oil helps bind the oatmeal bars together and replaces the palm oil used in the store bought kind. I love the very subtle yet sweet coconut flavors it lends to the final product. If it's solid, zap it in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to make it a liquid consistency.

Almond butter: Really insert your favorite nut butter here. Be aware that peanut butter will lend itself to a peanut butter chocolate flavored end product which is equally delicious. I recommend the runny kind of almond butter that requires mixing and has two ingredients...almonds and salt. Trader Joe's has some well priced options. If you're not a fan of almond butter, cashew butter works too.

Vanilla extract: A must for this recipe. Feel free to forgo the organic vanilla extract. Regular pure vanilla extract works just fine. Costco is my go to for this ingredient. 

Dark chocolate chips: Pick your favorite percentage of dark chocolate for these chips. Semi-sweet will also work well. Mini chocolate chips are another great swap and are fun to add in and sprinkle on the top. If dairy-free is a requirement, Enjoy Life brand is a perfect option. If sugar free is needed, I love the Lilly's brand in small doses. 

Sea salt: Even though these squares are on the sweeter side, a hint of salt kicks up the flavors and brings it all together

Variations for this Heavenly Hunks Recipe

Not a fan of chocolate? Butterscotch or white chocolate chips would be a divine substitution and encouraged. In fact, the Heavenly Hunks line includes a white chocolate chunk option with cranberries. To copy that, sub the chocolate chips with white chocolate and add in a few tablespoons of dried chopped cranberries. If you are a peanut butter chocolate fanatic like me, swap out the almond butter for peanut butter and voila, another PB and chocolate masterpiece. 

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