Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These granola bars come together in under 10 minutes.
- Chewy and Crunchy: A satisfying combination of soft oats and crispy rice cereal, all tied together with sweet honey and brown sugar.
- Customizable: You can swap in different mix-ins like coconut flakes, raisins, or nuts.
- No Preservatives: A healthier alternative to store-bought bars, free of preservatives and artificial ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine oats and Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl.
- Prepare the wet mixture: In a saucepan, heat brown sugar, honey, and butter over medium-high heat until it boils. Lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine: Pour the wet mixture over the oats and cereal, stirring until evenly coated.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper, pressing it down tightly. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top and press them lightly into the mixture.
- Cool: Let the mixture cool at room temperature until fully set. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Replace the mini chocolate chips with raisins, coconut flakes, or your favorite nuts.
- Cinnamon Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the mix for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the granola bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Quick-cooking oats are best for this recipe as they provide the right texture, but rolled oats can be used if necessary.
How do I keep the bars from falling apart?
Make sure to pack the mixture tightly into the pan and let it cool completely before slicing. Pressing it down firmly helps the bars stay together.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown rice syrup for a different flavor.
Can I add protein powder to these bars?
Yes! You can mix in a scoop of protein powder, just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients to keep the bars from getting too dry.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Ensure the rice cereal is gluten-free, and check that your oats are certified gluten-free to make these bars gluten-free.
Conclusion
Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are a simple, delicious snack that’s perfect for meal prepping or on-the-go mornings. With just a few basic ingredients, these bars are customizable to your taste and are a healthier, homemade option for your family. Enjoy them fresh or store for later—either way, they’ll disappear quickly!
Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy! Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, rice cereal, and honey, these easy-to-make bars are a healthier homemade alternative to store-bought ones. Customizable with your favorite add-ins, they’re perfect for a snack, breakfast, or on-the-go treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Snack, Breakfast, Meal Prep
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
Combine oats and Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl. - Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In a saucepan, heat brown sugar, honey, and butter over medium-high heat until it boils. Lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture over the oats and cereal, stirring until everything is evenly coated. - Press Into Pan:
Transfer the mixture to an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper, pressing it down tightly. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the mixture. - Cool & Slice:
Let the mixture cool at room temperature until fully set (about 20-30 minutes). Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Add-ins: Feel free to swap the mini chocolate chips with raisins, coconut flakes, or your favorite nuts.
- Cinnamon Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty variation.
