Skip the Box: Easy Homemade Granola Bars
If you're anything like me, you love a good snack. Granola bars have been one of my favorites since I was a kid. They're simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy days when you need something quick to grab on the go.
Lately, I've been making a conscious effort to swap out more store bought foods for homemade versions whenever I can. Not only do I know exactly what's going into them, but I can also control the amount of sugar and avoid many of the preservatives found in packaged snacks. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about recreating a pantry staple right in your own kitchen.
These homemade granola bars come together in about 10 minutes using ingredients you probably already have on hand. They're chewy, lightly sweetened, and finished with just enough chocolate to make them feel like a treat.
Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Ingredients:
2 cups quick-cooking oats (not rolled oats or steel-cut oats)
1 cup crispy rice cereal
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark is best!)
Directions:
Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the oats and crispy rice cereal.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 2 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the melted mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly into an even layer, making sure the mixture is tightly packed. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the top and gently press them into the bars with the back of a spoon.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for 2–3 hours before slicing into bars.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Try swapping the chocolate chips for dried cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, or dried cherries. You can also mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and protein.
Just keep the total amount of add-ins to about 1/4 to 1/2 cup so the bars stay together nicely. Don't be afraid to experiment. You may just discover your family's new favorite combination!
Storage
Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Personally, I love them straight from the fridge—the extra chill makes them even more delicious!
