Chewy Homemade Granola Bars

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars: A Simple and Satisfying Snack

If you’re searching for a quick and healthy snack that’s easy to make at home, these Chewy Homemade Granola Bars are just what you need. Packed with wholesome oats, crispy rice cereal, and a touch of sweetness, these bars are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, lunchbox treats, or an afternoon pick-me-up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick-cooking oats (not rolled or steel-cut)
• 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

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan:

• Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Set the pan aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick-cooking oats and crispy rice cereal. Stir until they are well combined, and set aside. These dry ingredients form the base of your granola bars, giving them their chewy texture and satisfying crunch.

3. Make the Syrup:

• In a small saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, honey, and unsalted butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, or until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine and Mix:

• Pour the warm syrup mixture over the oats and rice cereal in the large bowl. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything together until the dry ingredients are fully coated and moistened. Make sure to mix thoroughly so that all the oats and cereal are evenly covered with the syrup.

5. Press and Add Chocolate:

• Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press the mixture down firmly into the pan to ensure that it is tightly compacted. This helps the bars hold together once they are cut.
• Evenly sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the top of the pressed mixture. Gently press the chocolate chips into the surface with the back of a spoon so they stick to the bars.

6. Cool and Slice:

• Allow the granola bars to cool at room temperature for a couple of hours. This will give them time to set and become firm. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into 12 bars.

Tips for Success

• Compact the Mixture: Press the oat mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together once they are sliced.
• Customize Your Bars: Feel free to add extras like dried fruits, nuts, or seeds to the mixture before pressing it into the pan.
• Store Properly: Keep the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Calories: 180 kcal per bar
• Servings: 12 bars

These Chewy Homemade Granola Bars are a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an ideal snack for any time of day. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are sure to become a household favorite. Whether you pack them for lunch or enjoy them with your morning coffee, you’ll love the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe. Happy snacking!

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