Ultimate Chewy Granola Bars
These Ultimate Chewy Granola Bars are a delightful twist on the classic recipe I discovered in college. With a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and chocolaty flavors, these bars are a satisfying treat that surpasses any store-bought option. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, and chocolate, they make for a nutritious snack perfect for busy days or lunch boxes. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite add-ins, whether that's dried fruits, seeds, or a sprinkle of coconut. Your family will love these chewy delights, and you can feel good about serving them!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown sugar
1 cup (firmly packed)
butter or margarine
1/4 to 1/2 cup (softened)
granulated sugar
1/4 cup
honey
2 tablespoons
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
large egg
1
all-purpose flour
1 cup
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
crisp rice cereal
1 1/4 cups ((e.g., Rice Krispies))
chopped almonds
1 cup
semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup
rolled oats
1 1/2 cups
raisins
optional
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Mix in the honey, vanilla extract, and the egg until fully combined.
4
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
5
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6
Using a spatula, fold in the crisp rice cereal, chopped almonds, chocolate chips, and rolled oats until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Chewy Granola Bars?
Ultimate Chewy Granola Bars are a homemade, nutritious snack made with oats, almonds, and chocolate chips, offering a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking pan.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lightly grease the pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
Beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 to 1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine.
Does this recipe use honey?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness and texture.
What kind of flour is used in these granola bars?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are needed?
This recipe requires one large egg.
What spices are added to the dough?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for flavor.
What provides the crunch in these bars?
The crunch comes from 1 1/4 cups of crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) and 1 cup of chopped almonds.
What type of oats should I use?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats.
Can I add raisins to the recipe?
Yes, raisins are listed as an optional ingredient that can be folded into the batter.
How long should the granola bars bake?
Bake them for 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 16 square bars.
How long should I let the bars cool before cutting?
Allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.
Can I customize these granola bars?
Yes, they are highly customizable; you can add dried fruits, seeds, or shredded coconut.
Are these granola bars suitable for lunch boxes?
Yes, they are described as a perfect nutritious snack for lunch boxes and on-the-go eating.
What kind of chocolate chips are best?
The recipe recommends 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
How should I combine the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Is there a vegan option?
While the base recipe contains butter and eggs, it is tagged as having a vegan option with appropriate substitutions.
How do I prepare the almonds?
The almonds should be chopped before being folded into the batter.
What leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Do these bars contain salt?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the flavors.
Should the butter be melted?
No, the butter should be softened so it can be beaten with the sugar until fluffy.
How do I put the mixture into the pan?
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
Can I add coconut to these bars?
Yes, a sprinkle of coconut is a suggested customization for this recipe.
What makes these bars better than store-bought?
They use wholesome ingredients and lack the preservatives found in many commercial options.
What are the primary flavors in these bars?
They feature a blend of sweet honey and sugar, nutty almonds, and rich chocolate.