Chewy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Introduction

These chewy homemade granola bars are a delightful treat packed with oats, crispy cereal, and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick snack or an energizing breakfast on the go, they combine sweetness and crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 2/3 cup honey
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/2 cup graham crackers, crushed into pieces and crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup cereal marshmallows

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray an 8×8 inch pan with vegetable oil or baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a small pot over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar, and honey. Whisk continuously until the mixture bubbles, then cook for exactly 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt.
4. Step 4: Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients and whisk gently to combine. Let the mixture cool for 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows, folding them in gently.
6. Step 6: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, packing it down slightly but not too tightly.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to solidify before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use honey substitutes like maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
• Swap mini chocolate chips for dried fruits or nuts to customize flavors and textures.
• Make sure not to overpack the mixture in the pan to maintain a chewy texture.

Storage

Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To enjoy, let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes or warm gently in the microwave for 10 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these granola bars gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free oats and substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining the pan with parchment paper and spraying it with baking spray helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to lift the bars out for slicing.

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 132 reviews

These chewy homemade granola bars combine the perfect blend of oats, crispy Rice Krispies, graham crackers, and mini chocolate chips with a honey, butter, and brown sugar binder. Easy to make and customizable, they are a delightful snack or breakfast option that stays soft and chewy.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 granola bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 2/3 cup honey

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/2 cups graham crackers, crushed into pieces and crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup cereal marshmallows

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Spray an 8×8 inch pan with vegetable oil or baking spray. Line just the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once set.
2. Melt and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small pot over medium heat, add the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and honey. Whisk continuously until the mixture begins to bubble, then cook exactly for 2 minutes to properly bind the ingredients.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt. Pour the hot butter mixture over these dry ingredients and whisk carefully to combine thoroughly, ensuring the dry ingredients are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to cool for 20 minutes.
4. Add Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows, taking care not to crush them, to maintain texture and flavor balance.
5. Press and Chill: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press down gently but firmly to compact it slightly. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the granola bars to solidify.
6. Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the pan from the refrigerator, lift out the granola slab using the parchment paper, and cut into bars of desired size. Serve or store in an airtight container.

Notes

• For easier removal, ensure you line the pan with parchment paper.
• Do not overheat the butter and sugar mixture; cooking for exactly 2 minutes after bubbling is key for proper binding.
• You can substitute mini chocolate chips with dried fruit or nuts for a different flavor.
• Pressing the mixture firmly helps the bars hold their shape but avoid compressing too tightly to maintain chewiness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Keywords: granola bars, chewy granola bars, homemade granola bars, easy granola bars, snack bars, chocolate chip granola bars, no bake granola bars