Chewy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Introduction

Chewy homemade granola bars are a delicious and satisfying snack that you can easily make at home. Combining oats, cereal, and sweet mix-ins, these bars offer the perfect balance of chewiness and crunch, ideal for on-the-go energy or a tasty treat.

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, then line just 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 begins to bubble, then cook for exactly 2 minutes while whisking.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the rolled 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 thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cool for about 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Fold in the mini chocolate chips and marshmallows carefully to avoid melting.
6. Step 6: Press the mixture gently but firmly into the prepared pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty flavor, add chopped almonds or walnuts to the mix before pressing into the pan.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
• To make the bars gluten-free, replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or extra oats.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

Storage

Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature before eating. Reheating is not necessary, but you can warm them slightly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies with other crisp cereals like Cheerios or corn flakes to maintain the crunchy texture.

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

Using parchment paper on the bottom of the pan and lightly spraying with oil helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove the bars after refrigeration.

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 134 reviews

These Chewy Homemade Granola Bars are a perfect blend of buttery, sweet, and crunchy textures featuring oats, Rice Krispies, and graham crackers, all bound together with honey and brown sugar. Enhanced with mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows, they make for a delightful, chewy snack that’s easy to prepare and great for on-the-go energy boosts or lunchbox treats.

• Author: Toney
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 granola bars (assuming 8x8 pan cut into 4x4 squares) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

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

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Add-ins

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with vegetable oil or baking spray and line just the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the granola bars.
2. Make the Butter Mixture: In a small pot over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and honey. Whisk continuously until the mixture begins to bubble, then continue cooking and whisking for exactly 2 minutes to achieve the right consistency.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients and whisk carefully to combine well. Allow the mixture to cool for 20 minutes so it thickens slightly and is easier to handle.
5. Add Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the cereal marshmallows and mini chocolate chips, being careful not to crush the marshmallows.
6. Press into Pan and Chill: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down gently but firmly to compact the bars. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to solidify fully before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Using parchment paper only on the bottom of the pan makes for easy removal without the sides sticking.
• Be sure not to overheat or overcook the butter mixture to avoid crystallizing the sugar.
• Allowing the mixture to cool before adding marshmallows helps prevent them from melting.
• Pressing the mixture firmly ensures the bars hold together well.
• Store granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Keywords: granola bars, homemade granola bars, chewy granola bars, no bake granola bars, snack bars, chewy snack, easy granola recipe