Granola Bar Recipe

These Granola Bars are everything you crave in a snack: chewy, sweet, wonderfully crunchy, and studded with gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate chips. With a nostalgic flavor combo reminiscent of a childhood treat, these homemade bars come together with ease but taste like something truly special. Get ready—Granola Bars will become your new favorite go-to recipe for snack time, lunchboxes, or a quick afternoon pick-me-up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Granola Bars so magical is just how simple each ingredient is—and how they work together to create a truly irresistible treat. Each element has a special role to play, from crunch to chew to that unforgettable sweetness!

• Unsalted Butter: Gives the bars a rich, buttery flavor and helps bind everything together.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and a touch of chewiness thanks to its molasses content.
• Honey: Naturally sweet and slightly floral, honey creates that classic granola bar texture—and ultra-sticky goodness.
• Rolled Oats: The hearty, wholesome base for these bars; they provide structure and satisfying chew.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds a delicate crispiness and lightness, preventing the bars from feeling dense.
• Graham Crackers: Crushed into pieces and crumbs for a throwback s’mores flavor and just the right amount of crunch.
• Salt: Essential for balancing all the sweet goodness and making every ingredient pop.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: A little chocolate goes a long way to make every bite extra special (and slightly melty, if your bars are a bit warm!).
• Cereal Marshmallows: Pops of color and a nostalgic twist; they add pockets of soft, marshmallowy sweetness throughout.

Variations

The beauty of homemade Granola Bars is how endlessly customizable they are. Whether you’re looking to switch up flavors, add nutrition, or accommodate allergies, there’s a tweak—or two—just waiting for you.

• Nutty Boost: Swap in a half cup of chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for even more crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
• Dried Fruit Fun: Toss in some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for bursts of tartness and chew.
• Peanut Butter Lovers: Melt two tablespoons of peanut butter into the warm butter mixture for a richer, nutty twist on classic Granola Bars.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace the graham crackers with gluten-free grahams and double-check your oats to keep these bars gluten-free.

How to Make Granola Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by spraying an 8×8 inch pan with oil or baking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures your Granola Bars won’t stick, and makes them easy to lift out and slice once they’ve set.

Step 2: Cook the Syrup

In a small pot, gently melt the butter, brown sugar, and honey over medium heat. Once the mix is bubbling, whisk and let it cook for a precise 2 minutes—this step thickens the syrup for those chewy, never-crumbly bars.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the oats, Rice Krispies, crushed graham crackers, and salt together. Pour the hot syrup over the dry ingredients and use a sturdy spatula or whisk to mix until everything’s evenly coated, then let it cool for 20 minutes so your chocolate and marshmallows won’t melt completely.

Step 4: Stir in the Mix-Ins

Once the mixture has cooled, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to evenly distribute those little bursts of sweetness.

Step 5: Press and Chill

Transfer the mix to your prepared pan. Press it in gently but firmly—you want the bars snug, but not packed so tight they become hard. Slide the pan into your fridge and let the bars set for at least 2 hours before slicing them into perfect squares.

How to Serve Granola Bars

Garnishes

Once cut, you can drizzle your Granola Bars with a little melted chocolate or dust them with a pinch of powdered sugar for a bakery-style look. If you want a true s’mores vibe, pop a few extra marshmallows or mini chips on top just before serving!

Side Dishes

Pair your Granola Bars with a creamy Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast, or set them alongside a fresh berry salad for a bright and colorful snack plate. They also go perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for those cozy afternoon moments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with kitchen twine—ideal for lunchboxes, party favors, or picnic baskets. You can also slice them into petite squares for a snack board centerpiece that everyone will love to nibble!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Granola Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or extend their freshness by storing them in the fridge for up to a week. This keeps them chewy—and prevents the chocolate from getting too gooey on warmer days!

Freezing

For long-term storage, individually wrap the bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Granola Bars freeze beautifully for up to 2 months; just thaw on the counter when a snack craving hits.

Reheating

If you love your Granola Bars a little warm and gooey, pop one in the microwave for just 5-8 seconds. It will be perfectly soft, luscious, and extra comforting—especially on a chilly day!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, give these Granola Bars a try. Sharing them is a joy, but don’t be surprised if you want to keep a secret stash all for yourself—they’re truly that hard to resist!

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