Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (No Bake)
Author: 
Recipe type: Snack
 
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups quick cooking 1-minute oats
  • 1 cup rice krispies
  • 2 tablespoon mini chocolate chips (gluten free, nut-allergy free available at Sprouts)
Instructions
  1. Using a square 8 x 8 tin pan, line with parchment paper, and then lightly butter the sides not covered with the paper. Set aside. TIP: The parchment paper will make it very easy to remove the bars from the pan!
  2. In a large bowl, combine quick oats and rice krispies.
  3. In a small sauce pan, combine butter, honey and brown sugar. Bring to a boil on medium high heat.
  4. When the mixture bubbles, turn the heat to medium low and simmer for 2 minutes. TIP: Make sure you bring to a boil first then simmer. If the mixture doesn't cook long enough your bars won't hold together.
  5. After 2 minutes, add the vanilla extract and quickly stir until the alcohol evaporates (30 seconds).
  6. Pour the hot mixture over the oats and krispies and quickly toss with a spatula until all of the dry ingredients are coated and thoroughly mixed.
  7. Quickly pour into the prepared tin pan, and evenly spread out the mixture with the spatula and press down.
  8. Fold the parchment paper over the chewy granola mixture and press down using your hands. Press down really hard! (You might need an extra piece of parchment paper to completely cover the mixture. TIP: Use a can or jar to press down the chewy granola mixture even more. If the mixture isn't compacted well enough into the pan, it won't hold.
  9. Let the chewy granola mixture cool for about 15 - 20 minutes, until it's not hot anymore so it won't melt the chocolate chips.
  10. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips. Cover with parchment paper and then use a can or jar to press the chocolate chips into the chewy granola mixture. TIP: Don't use your hands because they will melt the chocolate chips!
  11. Allow the chewy granola bars to cool for a 2 to 3 hours. TIP: Just before I'm ready to cut the bars, I put it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  12. Remove the bars from the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Using a serrated knife, slice the bars into 1 to 11/2 inch wide strips. For larger big-kid bars, cut the bars in half. For smaller bites, cut the strips into small 1-inch squares.
  13. Store the chewy granola bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days. Or store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Lauren's Latest.
Recipe by Bebe Love Okazu at https://bebeloveokazu.com/2013/04/25/chewy-chocolate-chip-granola-bars-no-bake/