Homemade Granola Bar Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy, sweet, and homemade with love, this Homemade Granola Bar Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect blend of buttery richness, honeyed sweetness, and that satisfying chew from oats and cereal. Whether you want a quick energy boost during your busy day or a delightful treat to pack for the kids, these granola bars bring together wholesome ingredients for a snack that’s both delicious and comforting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to buy store-bought bars again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze because every single one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect granola bar. From the gooey sweetness of honey to the crispy crunch of Rice Krispies, each component adds a unique texture and flavor that melds beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base to hold everything together and adds necessary moisture.
- Brown sugar, packed: Gives that deep, caramel-like sweetness that elevates the bars beyond just plain sugar.
- Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener and binder, keeping the bars chewy yet firm.
- Rolled oats: The heart of the bars, delivering wholesome goodness and wonderful chew.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Adds an airy, light crunch to contrast with the oats.
- Graham crackers, crushed: Brings a subtle honey-cookie flavor and gentle texture variation.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the bars.
- Mini chocolate chips: Bursts of chocolate that add fun and indulgence in every bite.
- Cereal marshmallows: Soften with slight chew and deliver nostalgic sweetness that kids and adults love.
How to Make Homemade Granola Bar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by spraying an 8×8 inch pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This makes removing the bars quick and easy once they’re set, ensuring clean edges and perfect squares.
Step 2: Melt the Butter, Brown Sugar, and Honey
In a small pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and honey together. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to bubble, then let it cook for about 2 minutes. This step caramelizes the sugar slightly, creating a luscious syrupy base.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the rolled oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt. These dry ingredients form the structure, texture, and flavor base of your granola bars.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the hot butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients, and stir well to evenly coat everything. Let the mixture cool down for 20 minutes to avoid melting the chocolate and marshmallows in the next step.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows
Once the mixture is just warm, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows. Press the entire mix firmly into your prepared pan, making sure the surface is level and compact.
Step 6: Refrigerate and Slice
Put the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the bars fully set. When ready, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and cut into 16 delicious squares. Your homemade granola bars are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Granola Bar Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are fantastic on their own, you can jazz them up with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an extra flavor boost. A touch of sea salt on top also highlights the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your granola bars with a side of fresh fruit like apple slices or berries. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a glass of cold milk pairs wonderfully to create a balanced snack or light breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper tied with a colorful string—perfect for lunchboxes or gifts. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them in a snack bowl at parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them in a cool place helps maintain their crunch and prevents the chocolate chips from melting.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bars well in advance, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
While these bars are typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if you prefer a softer texture, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the marshmallows and chocolate for an indulgent treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Rice Krispies cereal?
Absolutely! You can replace Rice Krispies with puffed quinoa, millet, or your favorite crisped rice alternative to keep that light crunch while adding a nutritional twist.
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and cereals. Just be sure to check the labels on all packaged products to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the bars?
Yes! Chopped almonds, walnuts, or dried cranberries are fantastic additions. Just mix them in with the dry ingredients before adding the butter-honey mixture.
How sticky are these bars?
The combination of honey and marshmallows makes these bars slightly sticky but pleasantly chewy. Refrigeration helps them firm up, making them less sticky and easy to handle.
Can I bake this Homemade Granola Bar Recipe instead of refrigerating?
This specific recipe is designed for no-bake preparation, relying on refrigeration to set the bars. Baking might change the texture and melt the marshmallows excessively, so it’s best to stick with chilling.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Homemade Granola Bar Recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen with simple ingredients that deliver big flavor and fun textures. These bars are a fantastic way to share a wholesome, tasty snack with your family and friends anytime. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “yummy”!
Print
Homemade Granola Bar Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 2 hours chilling time
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
This homemade granola bar recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make treat combining buttery, sweet, and crunchy elements with oats, cereal, and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick snack or a lunchbox addition, these bars balance chewy and crispy textures and incorporate marshmallows for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 2/3 cup honey
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup graham crackers, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cereal marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with vegetable oil and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars.
- Melt Ingredients: In a pot over medium heat, melt together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and honey. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to bubble, then cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the sugars fully dissolve and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt. Pour in the melted butter mixture and mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are evenly coated. Allow this mixture to cool for about 20 minutes to prevent melting the marshmallows in the next step.
- Add Mix-Ins: Once cooled, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form Bars: Press the granola mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared 8×8 pan. Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set and firm up.
- Slice and Serve: After chilling, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, slice into 16 even squares, and enjoy your homemade granola bars.
Notes
- Press the mixture tightly in the pan to ensure bars hold together well when cut.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Store granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness.
- For a nut-free version, ensure that all ingredients including cereal are free from nuts or cross-contamination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
