Soft Chewy Granola Bars
Discover the ultimate recipe for Soft Chewy Granola Bars—an irresistible combination of wholesome rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, and a luscious blend of honey and creamy peanut butter, all elevated with hints of vanilla and the sweetness of mini chocolate chips. These no-bake granola bars come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings, snack time, or on-the-go fuel. With optional add-ins like chopped nuts and dried fruit, you can customize the flavor and texture to suit your cravings. Packed with homemade goodness, these granola bars are as delicious as they are easy to make, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought treats. Perfect for meal prep, these bars stay fresh in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them an ideal choice for a week-long snack plan.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.33 cup mini chocolate chips
- 0.25 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., almonds or pecans)
- 0.25 cup dried fruit (optional, e.g., cranberries or raisins)
Instructions
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and crispy rice cereal. If you're using chopped nuts or dried fruit, add them to the bowl as well.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has completely dissolved (approximately 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the warm honey syrup over the oat mixture. Using a spatula, stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly (just a minute or two), then fold in the mini chocolate chips. Be careful not to let the chips melt completely.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using the spatula, press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer. This will help the bars hold together once set.
Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the granola bars to chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Once chilled, lift the granola out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 12 evenly sized bars.
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2966 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 109.0 g | 140% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.7 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1131 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 463.9 g | 169% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.9 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 250.2 g | ||
| Protein | 66.2 g | 132% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 307 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 37.2 mg | 207% | |
| Potassium | 2204 mg | 47% | |
*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.
