Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Who doesn’t love a chewy, sweet, and crunchy granola bar? These Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are everything you want in a homemade snack. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and rice cereal, but balanced with the indulgent sweetness of brown sugar and mini chocolate chips. The combination of honey and butter helps create that perfect chewy texture, making these bars a delightful treat that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins. Whether you’re looking for a snack to fuel your day or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these granola bars are just the right choice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (180g) quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup (30g) crispy rice cereal
• 1/3 cup (67g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 4 Tbsp (57g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 Tbsp mini chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and honey. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture is smooth.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick-cooking oats and crispy rice cereal.
4. Pour the melted sugar and butter mixture over the oats and cereal, stirring until everything is well combined.
5. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
7. Press the granola mixture firmly into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Refrigerate the bars for about 1 hour, or until they have fully set.
9. Once set, remove from the refrigerator and cut into bars.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Set time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add dried fruits: For added sweetness and texture, try adding dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.
• Nuts and seeds: You can add in chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans) or seeds (sunflower or chia seeds) for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Nut butters: Swap out the butter for almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for a different flavor and additional protein.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Reheating: These bars are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warm bar, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Quick-cooking oats make the bars chewier, while old-fashioned oats will add a bit more bite.

Can I make these granola bars without honey?

If you don’t have honey, you can substitute with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even corn syrup, although the flavor may slightly change.

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips, but mini chocolate chips are often easier to distribute evenly throughout the granola bar mixture.

How can I make these bars vegan?

To make these granola bars vegan, simply replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I freeze these granola bars?

Yes! To freeze the bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before eating.

How do I get the granola bars to hold together better?

To make the bars stick together well, make sure you press the mixture firmly into the baking dish and refrigerate them long enough to set. If needed, you can add a little more honey to help bind the ingredients.

Can I use a different cereal in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the crispy rice cereal with other cereals like puffed quinoa, cornflakes, or even puffed wheat for a different texture.

How long do these granola bars last?

These bars will last about 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to a week if stored in the refrigerator.

Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, you can add protein powder to the recipe, but keep in mind it may affect the texture. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of protein powder and adjust accordingly.

Are these granola bars gluten-free?

These granola bars can be made gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure that your cereal is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are the perfect snack for busy days when you need a quick and tasty energy boost. With a chewy texture and a sweet combination of oats, rice cereal, and chocolate chips, these bars are an easy-to-make, customizable treat that’s perfect for the whole family. They’re great for meal prep, a quick breakfast, or a satisfying snack that can be enjoyed at home or on the go. Try them out, and you’ll never reach for store-bought granola bars again!

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