Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe
Easy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Extremely Delicious!
These delicious homemade granola bars are soft, chewy, with a subtle crunch, and just the right amount of chocolate chips. They’re nut-free, which makes them a good snack for people with allergies. This simple and quick granola bar recipe can easily be adapted, it tastes great and your kids will love it. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or as a portable healthy snack to satisfy your hunger on a long road trip.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
It’s simple: You can throw any ingredients you’ve got in the same bowl, it requires no baking and even your kids can help making it.
It’s a healthy homemade treat: I used to indulge in buying many sweets and snacks and store them everywhere around the house. One day, the moment came in which I deliberately decided to let go of one harmful habit. The first thing I was determined to do, is to find or create some healthy homemade alternatives. This way, I get to manage what goes into my food. I get to control the amount of sugar, and modify the snack according to my needs.
It’s easily customized: These granola bars are one of the easiest recipes to modify according to taste, allergies, and nutritional needs. You can use any mix-ins you prefer; dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips. For all the gym fanatics, you can add in some peanut butter and your favorite powder protein to the mix; it’ll make a great healthy snack.
It’s a portable snack: These granola bars are the perfect lunchbox treat for your kids; it’s mess-free, healthy, and not overly sweet. It also makes a great pre or post workout snack for the gym. You can easily grab it on the go, on your way to school or work and have it in your car.
Ingredients Needed:
2 cups oats (quick oats or rolled oats)
1 cup crispy rice cereal (optional)
1/3 cup light brown sugar
½ cup honey
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (good quality)
Instructions to make the best Granola Bars:
Take a large glass bowl, add the oats and rice cereal then put aside.
In a small saucepan, add in the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and honey then bring to a boil over medium high heat, then let it simmer on medium low heat about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat, remove the pan from the stove then mix in the vanilla extract.
Pour the melted ingredients on top of the dry ingredients in the bowl and mix pretty well to combine everything.
Pour the oat mixture in an 8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, press down firmly. Top your granola with mini chocolate chips then press down a bit.
Let it cool at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, then slice into nice looking bars. Enjoy your GRANOLA BARS!
Helpful Tips and Variations:
How to replace honey? You can use pure maple syrup or brown rice syrup if you prefer. It’s important to use honey or a similar element to bind the ingredients together.
Can I add peanut butter? Sure! Use any nut butter you prefer to add more protein and healthy fats and help stick all ingredients together, just make sure it’s a bit runny and smooth.
How to substitute mini chocolate chips? Instead of chocolate chips, you can use cranberries, dried raisings, shredded coconut, thinly sliced almonds or pistachios. You can also add a good mix of your favorite seeds, such as, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, quinoa, chia or flax seeds for a healthier version of this recipe.
Is it necessary to let it chill before slicing? Absolutely! Don’t rush this step, let your granola bar chill either at room temperature or in the fridge for an hour. This ensures the nice chewy texture we’re looking for.
How can I store any leftovers? You can store these granola bars in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
How can I freeze this recipe? This recipe keeps well in the freezer. Transfer the granola bars into sealed freezer friendly bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it overnight in the fridge before serving.
How can I serve these Chocolate Chips granola bars?
You can serve these granola bars as a quick healthy breakfast along a nice refreshing fruit smoothie, or a glass of cold mind, if you prefer. You should also try them with some Greek Yogurt on top and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or crumble the bars and mix in with the Yogurt.
Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats quick oats or rolled oats
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips good quality
Instructions
- Take a large glass bowl, add the oats and rice cereal then put aside.
- In a small saucepan, add in the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and honey then bring to a boil over medium high heat, then let it simmer on medium low heat about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat, remove the pan from the stove then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted ingredients on top of the dry ingredients in the bowl and mix pretty well to combine everything.
- Pour the oat mixture in an 8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, press down firmly. Top your granola with mini chocolate chips then press down a bit.
- Let it cool at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, then slice into nice looking bars. Enjoy!
