Chewy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Introduction

These chewy homemade granola bars are a perfect treat for snacking or breakfast on the go. Combining oats, crispy cereal, and a touch of chocolate, they offer a delightful balance of texture and sweetness. Plus, they’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

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, combine the butter, brown sugar, and honey. Whisk continuously until the mixture begins to bubble, then cook for exactly 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt.
4. Step 4: Pour the hot butter mixture over the cereal mixture and whisk carefully to combine well. Let it cool for 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Gently add the mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows to the cooled mixture.
6. Step 6: Press the mixture gently but firmly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to solidify before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the oats lightly before mixing to bring out a nutty aroma.
• Swap mini chocolate chips for dried fruit or nuts for a different texture and taste.
• If you prefer nut butter, add a couple of tablespoons of peanut or almond butter into the melted mixture for richness.
• Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water to cut clean bars after chilling.

Storage

Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to a month. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies with other crispy cereals like corn flakes or puffed wheat to vary the texture.

Are these granola bars gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats, cereal, and graham crackers. Always check labels to be sure.

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 104 reviews

These Chewy Homemade Granola Bars are a perfect blend of buttery sweetness and crunchy textures. Made with oats, crispy rice cereal, graham crackers, and studded with mini chocolate chips and marshmallows, these bars are an easy no-bake treat ideal for snacks or lunchboxes.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: No-Bake Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 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 pan with vegetable oil or baking spray and line just the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
2. Cook the syrup mixture: In a small pot over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and honey. Whisk continuously until the mixture bubbles, then cook for exactly 2 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the rolled oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt, mixing them evenly to distribute the salt and crackers.
4. Mix wet and dry: Pour the hot butter and sugar mixture over the oat mixture. Whisk gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients without breaking the cereal excessively. Allow the mixture to cool for 20 minutes so it thickens slightly, making handling easier.
5. Add marshmallows and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows to ensure they remain intact and well-distributed.
6. Press into pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it gently but firmly to pack evenly. Avoid compressing too hard to keep the bars chewy.
7. Chill and set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours to solidify the bars before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

• Using parchment paper only at the bottom helps lift bars easily without sticking.
• Cooking the syrup exactly 2 minutes ensures a perfect chewy texture by preventing it from becoming too runny or too hard.
• Letting the mixture cool before adding marshmallows helps prevent them from melting completely.
• Press bars firmly but not too hard to keep the chewiness intact.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

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