Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe

Here’s your intro:

Hey friends! Whenever I’m craving something nostalgic yet effortlessly delicious, I whip up these ridiculously easy homemade chocolate chip oat bars. They’re like a warm hug in dessert form, combining the comforting textures of oats and crispy rice with gooey chocolate goodness. Let’s dive into this yumminess!

My absolute go-to snack would be Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. They combine the heartiness of rolled oats, the crispness of rice cereal, and the sweetness of honey and light brown sugar.

I love how the unsalted butter contributes richness and how the mini chocolate chips add just a hint of indulgence.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Rich in fiber, promoting healthy digestion.
• Crispy rice cereal: Adds a light, crispy texture and some carbohydrates.
• Honey: A natural sweetener rich in antioxidants.
• Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps bind ingredients.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with sweet, aromatic notes.
• Mini chocolate chips: Offer bursts of sweetness and chocolate flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

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How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare an 8 by 8 inch baking dish. Line the dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges to facilitate removing the baked goods from the dish after they have cooled.

2. In a big bowl, mix the rolled oats and the rice cereal. Stir well and set aside.

3. In a small saucepan, mix together honey, light brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Heat them over a medium flame, stirring now and then, until the butter has melted and everything is combined into a smooth, even sauce.

4. Take the saucepan away from the heat, and blend in the vanilla extract and salt, making sure they are uniformly mixed with the other ingredients.

5. Put the mixture of honey and other ingredients over the oats and rice cereal. Stir the mixture until the oats and cereal are coated evenly with the honey.

6. Let the mixture cool a bit, and then fold in the mini chocolate chips. Don’t melt them.

7. Combine the mixture in the baking dish, and press it firmly. You can do this by using a spatula and pressing evenly around the dish. Or, you can place a sheet of parchment paper on top of the mixture and press down evenly over the whole surface with your hands.

8. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Place chilled pan with unbaked cookies in the preheated oven. Bake in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.

9. Take the bars out of the oven and let them cool totally in the baking dish. Doing this will let them set properly.

10. After they have cooled, use the parchment paper that overhangs the edges of the pan to lift the dessert bars out. Cut into your desired sizes. Storing them in an airtight container at room temperature preserves their freshness. They keep well for about one week.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8×8 inch baking dish
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Small saucepan
6. Medium heat source (stovetop)
7. Stirring spoon
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Spatula
11. Knife
12. Airtight container

FAQ

• What can I use instead of mini chocolate chips?Substitutes for regular chocolate chips can be dark chocolate chunks, or even dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for variation.
• Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?Although the best texture comes from traditional rolled oats, you can also use quick oats; just be prepared for slightly denser bars.
• How do I store the granola bars?Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them.
• Can I make the bars less sweet?Indeed, modify the honey and sugar to your liking, or experiment with using all-natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Is there an alternative to using unsalted butter?Coconut oil or margarine can work as a dairy-free substitute, though the flavor might be affected.
• How do I prevent chocolate chips from melting?Allow the oats to cool down just a bit before mixing in the chocolate chips. That way, they won’t melt into the mixture.
• Can I add nuts to the recipe?Certainly, you can include chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and a more nutritious snack.

Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For ancient rolled oats, swap in quick oats or gluten-free oats if necessary.
Use puffed quinoa or crushed cornflakes instead of crispy rice cereal for a different texture.
Substitute honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to obtain a vegan alternative.
Coconut sugar or a mixture of molasses and granulated sugar can serve as substitutes for light brown sugar.
For a dairy-free substitute for unsalted butter, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Oats For a deeper flavor, you can toast the rolled oats in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before mixing them with the rice cereal. This will enhance their nutty taste.

2. Use a Thermometer When heating the honey, sugar, and butter mixture, use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches about 240°F (soft ball stage). This will help achieve the right consistency for the bars to hold together well.

3. Press Firmly To ensure the bars hold together and don’t crumble apart, use firm and even pressure when pressing the mixture into the baking dish. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down evenly.

4. Cooling Time Ensure the mixture is sufficiently cool before folding in the mini chocolate chips to prevent them from melting. You can place the bowl in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the process if necessary.

5. Customization Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to reduce the chocolate chips slightly to maintain the balance of ingredients.