Get ready to fall in love with this **Granola Bar Recipe** that’s both irresistibly delicious and delightfully easy to make! Packed with hearty oats, crunchy cereal, and a touch of sweet chocolate, these bars are the perfect on-the-go snack or breakfast treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Crunchy: The perfect balance of sweet honey and brown sugar with a satisfying crunch from oats and cereal.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.
- Quick to Make: Just a quick mix and a chill, and they’re ready to enjoy.
- Portable: Ideal for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather up just a handful of ingredients that make this Granola Bar Recipe so special. Each component plays a key role—especially when it comes to flavor and texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation for the sweet elements.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel flavor that makes these bars addictive.
- Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind all the ingredients beautifully.
- Rolled Oats: The heart of the granola bar, offering texture and natural nutrition.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Delivers a delightful crispness with each bite.
- Graham Crackers: Adds a subtle sweetness and a graham flavor that’s nostalgic.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Offer bites of chocolate goodness that melt in your mouth.
- Cereal Marshmallows: Little pops of sweetness that make these bars a bit whimsical.
Variations
The beauty of this Granola Bar Recipe is how flexible it is. Let your creativity run wild with these tasty variations, making it suit your dietary needs or personal taste effortlessly.
- Nuts Galore: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and protein boost.
- Fruit Fanatic: Swap chocolate chips for dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a tangy twist.
- Spice It Up: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the bars.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate to drizzle on top for a decadent finish.
How to Make Granola Bar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Spray an 8×8 inch pan with vegetable oil or baking spray and line just the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and slicing of the bars later.
Step 2: Create the Sweet Mixture
In a small pot over medium heat, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, and honey until it begins to bubble. Once boiling, let it cook exactly for 2 minutes—this duration helps ensure the bars will hold together without being too sticky.
Step 3: Combine and Cool
In a large bowl, mix the oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt. Pour the hot butter mixture over these dry ingredients and stir carefully to combine. Let it cool for 20 minutes to prevent melting the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows. Press the mixture into your prepared pan, ensuring it’s compact to help the bars firm up. Pop it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until it’s solidified.
Pro Tips for Making Granola Bar Recipe
- Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is fully melted and mixed with the sugar and honey to help the bars bind properly.
- Cooling Time: Don’t skip the cooling period before adding the chocolate and marshmallows to prevent them from melting.
- Firm Press: When pressing the mixture into the pan, apply enough force to compact but not crush—the density helps when cutting later.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allowing ample refrigeration time ensures the bars firm up to the perfect bar texture.
How to Serve Granola Bar Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, consider sprinkling a few more chocolate chips or marshmallows on top of each bar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a creamy Greek yogurt dip—perfect for a balanced breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay them out in a lined basket at your next brunch, or wrap each bar in parchment paper and secure with cute twine for a rustic, giftable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm, heat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate gets gooey, and it’s simply irresistible!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cereal?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute Rice Krispies with your cereal of choice, like cornflakes or any other crispy variant.
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How do I ensure my bars aren’t too sticky?
Cooking the sugar mixture for exactly 2 minutes is key, as it helps to bind the mixture without being too sticky.
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Are there substitute options for marshmallows?
Yes, you can replace marshmallows with dried fruits or nuts for a more natural sweetness and added texture.
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Can I make these bars vegan?
Indeed, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey to make these vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Whip up this Granola Bar Recipe and experience a homemade snack that’s rich in flavor and texture. I can’t wait for you to discover how easy and satisfying these bars are—happy snacking!
Print
Granola Bar Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes + 2 hours refrigeration
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade granola bar recipe combines crunchy oats, crispy cereal, sweet marshmallows, and chocolate chips to create delicious, bite-sized treats perfect for snacking. Easy to prepare and customizable, these bars are ideal for quick breakfasts, lunchboxes, or on-the-go energy boosts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cups graham crackers, crushed in pieces and crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cereal marshmallows
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray an 8×8 inch pan with vegetable oil or baking spray and line just the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar, and honey. Whisk continuously until the mixture starts bubbling, then cook for exactly 2 more minutes for a rich, sticky consistency.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt. Stir to distribute evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Carefully whisk or fold to evenly coat all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Add Extras: Gently fold in the cereal marshmallows and mini chocolate chips until evenly dispersed.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it down, slightly packing for firmness. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set.
- Slice and Serve: Once solidified, cut into 16 bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chocolate chips and marshmallows according to your preference for sweetness.
- If you prefer a chewier texture, refrigerate the bars for a longer period, up to 4 hours.
- Store these granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 30g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
