Introduction
Get ready to whip up some delicious and nutritious No Bake Chewy Granola Bars! These homemade bars are perfect for a quick and easy snack on the go, offering a delightful combination of chewy oats, crunchy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and sweet chocolate chips.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own granola bars allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Plus, these no-bake bars are quick to assemble and require minimal cooking skills, making them a perfect recipe for beginners and busy individuals.
How to Make No Bake Chewy Granola Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (21 g) puffed rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- 1 ½ cups (135 g) old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup (193.5 g) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (170 g) honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (173 g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, extending the paper up the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rice cereal and old-fashioned rolled oats. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt peanut butter, honey, and salt until creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture and fold until well coated.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
- Transfer the granola mixture to the lined pan and press into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Slice into 10 bars.
- Store the bars in the refrigerator or freezer for optimal freshness.
How to Serve No Bake Chewy Granola Bars
Enjoy these chewy granola bars as a quick breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a pre-workout energy boost. Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage for a satisfying treat.
How to Store No Bake Chewy Granola Bars
To maintain the freshness and shape of the granola bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. They can be kept for up to a week in the refrigerator or longer in the freezer.
Tips to Make No Bake Chewy Granola Bars
- For added crunch, you can mix in chopped nuts or seeds to the granola mixture.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or substituting it with maple syrup.
- To make the bars more decadent, use dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Variation
You can personalize these granola bars by adding dried fruits, coconut flakes, chia seeds, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and savory twist.
FAQs
- Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes, but creamy peanut butter helps bind the ingredients together better.
- How long do these granola bars stay fresh at room temperature? It’s best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain their texture and taste.
- Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener like agave syrup? Yes, you can swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup, adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
