Playground Granola Bars
Whip up a batch of Playground Granola Bars, the ultimate no-bake snack perfect for lunchboxes, after-school treats, or on-the-go fuel! Packed with wholesome rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, and a sweet, sticky blend of honey and peanut butter, these chewy bars are as delicious as they are versatile. Each bar bursts with flavor from mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries (or raisins), and optional crunchy nuts or seeds, making them both kid-approved and customizable for dietary needs. Ready in just 15 minutes without turning on the oven, these easy-to-make granola bars are a time-saving, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you're prepping for a busy week or freezing a stash for later, these homemade granola bars are a healthier, budget-friendly alternative to store-bought snacks.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter for a peanut-free version)
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup mini chocolate chips
- 0.25 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 0.25 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
Instructions
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and crispy rice cereal. Set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble gently. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Pour the warm mixture over the oats and cereal. Using a spatula, stir until everything is evenly coated.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries (or raisins), and chopped nuts or seeds, if using. Work quickly so the chocolate chips don’t melt.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a piece of parchment paper or the back of a spatula, firmly press the mixture into an even layer. This step is important to ensure the bars hold together.
Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
Once set, lift the granola bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 even bars or desired sizes using a sharp knife.
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. These also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2966 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 111.5 g | 143% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.8 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1448 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 443.1 g | 161% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.1 g | 122% | |
| Total Sugars | 202.9 g | ||
| Protein | 79.4 g | 159% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 278 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 28.3 mg | 157% | |
| Potassium | 2107 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
