Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe

Picture this: a cozy afternoon, the oven warming up your kitchen, and you getting ready to whip up some homemade granola bars that are not only delicious but also perfect to share or keep all to yourself.

My favorite homemade snacks are the ones that are both tasty and healthy—and my Chocolate Chip Granola Bars fall squarely into that category. They start with a base of old-fashioned rolled oats and crisp rice cereal.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better blend of snack textures. Then, of course, they’re sweetened with honey and brown sugar and studded with mini chocolate chips.

If you want to go all-in on the healthy part, you could skip the chocolate and put nuts in instead. I kept the team on the “delicious, nutritious” path and nailed the energy bar requirement.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: Rich in fiber; promotes healthy digestion.
• Crispy Rice Cereal: Adds crunch; source of carbohydrates.
• Honey: Natural sweetener; boosts energy levels.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness; provides creaminess.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens; offers deep molasses flavor.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Sweet indulgence; adds a chocolatey taste.
• Chopped Nuts (optional): Crunchy texture; source of protein and healthy fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to bake. Prepare a 9×9-inch dish by placing parchment paper inside. Allow the edges of the parchment to hang over the side so you can hold onto it when removing the dish from the oven.

2. Place the rolled oats on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are lightly golden. Allow them to cool slightly.

3. In a big mixing bowl, mix the toasted oats and the crispy rice cereal. If you’re using nuts, add them at this stage.

4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, unsalted butter, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble, then cook it for another minute.

5. Take the saucepan off of the heat and mix in the vanilla extract and salt until everything is completely homogeneous.

6. Warm honey mixture over the oat and cereal mixture, using a spatula to coat everything thoroughly.

7. Permit the blend to cool for a couple of minutes, then fold in the miniature chocolate chips gently. Exercise caution so that they do not melt completely.

8. Place the mixture in the baking dish prepared beforehand. Using the spatula or your hands (which should be lightly greased to prevent sticking), press the mixture firmly and evenly into the baking dish.

9. Refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hours so the bars can set properly.

10. After setting, use the parchment paper to lift the granola from the dish, and cut it into bars of any size you wish. Enjoy the bars, and if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×9-inch baking dish
3. Parchment paper
4. Baking sheet
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Small saucepan
7. Spatula
8. Knife
9. Airtight container (for storage)

FAQ

• Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?Indeed, quick-cooking oats can be used, but the overall mouthfeel will be slightly compromised. Using old-fashioned oats guarantees that these granola bars will have a nice chew and good structure.
• Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?Indeed, both maple syrup and agave nectar can serve as substitutes, but they may impart a somewhat different flavor.
• What can I use instead of butter for a dairy-free option?Using coconut oil instead of butter makes these granola bars dairy-free and as delicious as ever.
• How can I make these granola bars nut-free?You can just leave out the nuts, or if you want to substitute something, try seeds: sunflower or pumpkin seeds work well.

  * They don’t need to be finely chopped.
  * They don’t need to be toasted.
  * You don’t even have to use nuts, seeds, or any kind of protein in this dish.

  Got it? Very few substitutions are necessary!

• Do I need to refrigerate the granola bars?Refrigerate them for a minimum of 30 minutes after you’ve poured the mixture into the pan and before cutting. This will help the bars set properly.
• How should I store the granola bars, and how long do they last?Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for no longer than a week, or in the refrigerator for no longer than two weeks.
• Is there a gluten-free option?Confirm that every ingredient is certified gluten-free, paying special attention to the oats and crispy rice cereal.

Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as substitutes.
Coconut oil or margarine can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter.
Coconut sugar or granulated white sugar can be used as a substitute for brown sugar.
Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or milk chocolate chips, and chop them into mini pieces.
Chopped nuts. Change seeds. Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Enhanced Toasting Toasting the rolled oats is a crucial step to elevate their flavor and texture. For an even deeper flavor, consider toasting the chopped nuts alongside the oats for the last 5 minutes of toasting time.

2. Sticky Solution If you’re finding it difficult to press the mixture into the baking dish, try lightly wetting your hands with water or using a piece of parchment paper as a barrier while pressing down on the mixture. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to pack the mixture firmly.

3. Temperature Control When adding the chocolate chips, ensure that the mixture is sufficiently cooled to prevent the chips from melting into the mixture. You want them to stay intact for added texture and bursts of chocolate.

4. Flavor Variation You can customize these bars by adding a variety of mix-ins such as dried fruits, seeds like chia or flax, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste preferences.

5. Perfect Slicing For cleaner cuts, try refrigerating the bars a little longer than the suggested 2 hours, or place them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. This will help achieve precise, uniform edges.