These chewy granola bars are the perfect healthy snack for kids (and adults). They’re gluten-free, nut-free, easy to make and great for meal prep!
I have a few different granola bar recipes on my site already (like these chocolate peanut butter granola bars and chocolate chip almond granola bars), but these chewy granola bars are my new fave!
I’ve made these granola bars so many times since first testing them because my kiddos love them so much and they don’t last long in our house.
They remind me of the Quaker chewy granola bars that I used to eat all the time growing up, but these are made with better-for-you ingredients like rolled oats, honey, brown rice cereal and chia seeds. No corn syrup, soybean oil or added preservatives over here!
Another bonus is that these homemade granola bars are nut-free, making them a great snack option to pack in your kiddo’s lunch box.
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Why You’ll Love These Granola Bars
- Healthier and cheaper – When it comes to store-bought granola bars it can be hard to find ones that aren’t loaded with added sugar and super long ingredient list. These granola bars are not only made with simple, wholesome ingredients, but they’re also cheaper than store-bought granola bars.
- Easy – These granola bars are super easy to make and there’s no need to turn on your own! Just mix, press and chill.
- Great for meal prep – Make a batch (or two) at the start of the week for a convenient, grab-and-go snack that’s ready whenever you need it.
- School-Safe – These granola bars are such a hit with my kiddos and they’re nut free, making them safe to take to school. For another nut free option, try these nut free granola bars and for more lunch box ideas check out my full post with lots of kid’s lunch box ideas.
- unsalted butter – butter adds a rich flavor and it helps bind the ingredients together.
- honey – a natural sweetener that helps keep the bars chewy.
- light brown sugar – adds a hint of molasses flavor and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture we all love.
- rolled oats – a key component of these bars, rolled oats are hearty and add a chewy texture. Plus, they’re rich in fiber and can help keep you feeling satisfied.
- chia seeds – these tiny seeds add a nutritional boost with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Plus, they help hold the bars together.
- crispy rice cereal – I love the added crunch that rice cereal adds to these granola bars!
- dried cranberries – these add a chewy, tart element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bars.
- mini chocolate chips – I recommend Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips but feel free to use your favorite mini chocolate chips or chop up your favorite chocolate bar and toss the chocolate chunks in!
Recipe Substitutions
- Brown rice cereal – This is what gives them a little crunch and makes the bars taste like store-bought granola bars. If you can’t find brown rice crisp cereal you can use regular Rice Krispies.
- Butter – If you don’t have butter, or want to keep this recipe dairy-free, I recommend using vegan butter.
- Chia seeds – You can totally skip these if you don’t have any on hand or use another type of seed in their place, such as flax seeds or hemp seeds.
- Different sweeteners – I’ve made these bars with maple syrup instead of honey and they turned out great. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand coconut sugar should work just fine.
- Add-ins – Feel free to customize these granola bars with your favorite mix-in’s. Skip the chocolate chips or substitute them with chopped nuts/seeds like almonds, pecans, walnuts or sunflower seeds. And you can substitute the cranberries with other dried fruits like raisins, dates, dried cherries or dried apricots.
How to Make Chewy Granola Bars
Step 1: Add butter, honey, brown sugar and salt to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat until mixture starts to foam then remove from heat and add vanilla.
Step 2: Add your oats, chia seeds, cereal and cranberries to a medium mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
Step 3: Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and toss to combine. Let sit for about 10 minutes and then stir in the chocolate chips.
Step 4: Press the bars into an 8×8 square baking dish, making sure to press them down as hard as possible. As you press, add a few mini chocolate chips on top if you want. Place the bars in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours. Cut into bars and enjoy.
Brittany’s Tip!
To prevent the bars from falling apart, make sure to really use some muscle to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. And don’t forget to let them to chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge before cutting. This allows the bars set properly and makes them easier to cut.
Storing Granola Bars
One of the best things about these granola bars is that they store really well and are perfect for meal prep!
After the bars have set, cut and store them in an airtight container (like a Stasher bag or glass container) in the refrigerator for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to store them after being cut so they’re ready to grab and go! If you do freeze them, just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two things likely happened if your granola bars are too dry or crumbly:
1. You didn’t let the honey and butter mixture come to a low boil. Cooking until the mixture bubbles reduces the mixture and is the “glue” that holds the bars together!
2. You didn’t press hard enough! You really want to press the mixture into the pan lined with parchment paper. Put your back into it and compact that mixture!
If you can’t “save” your granola bars I bet they’re still delicious enjoyed like granola! Just be sure to follow these tips for next time you make the bars.
Totally! Feel free to customize these granola bars with your favorite mix-in’s. Chopped nuts or seeds like almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are all great options. And you can substitute the cranberries with other dried fruits like raisins, dates, dried cherries or dried apricots.
More Snacks to Try
Be sure to check out my full collection of snack recipes here on EBF!
