The Best Chewy Granola Bars Recipe for Sweet Snacking Bliss

Crafting homemade chewy granola bars at home sparks pure culinary joy and satisfaction.

These delightful snacks pack a nutritious punch with every bite.

Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly to create a treat that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Each bar bursts with natural sweetness and hearty textures that make store-bought versions pale in comparison.

Rolled oats, honey, and nuts come together in a simple dance of flavors that elevate your snacking experience.

You’ll love how quick and easy these bars are to make with minimal kitchen skills required.

Pack them for school, work, or outdoor adventures, and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Chewy Granola Bars: Snack Highlights

• Quick to Whip Up: Prepare these delightful granola bars with minimal cooking skills, making them perfect for beginners or busy home cooks looking for a speedy snack solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Packed with chocolate chips and colorful M&M's, these bars guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, transforming a simple snack into a fun and tasty experience.
• Customizable Delight: Swap ingredients easily to match dietary preferences or pantry contents, giving you flexibility to create a personalized treat that suits your taste and nutritional needs.
• No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and enjoy a no-bake recipe that requires simple stovetop mixing and refrigeration, saving time and keeping your kitchen cool during preparation.

Everything Needed for Chewy Granola Bars

• Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides rich flavor and helps bind the granola bars together.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that adds sweetness and helps create a sticky consistency.
• Coconut Oil: Helps melt and bind ingredients while adding a subtle tropical flavor.

• Rolled Oats, Shredded Coconut, Cashews: A hearty combination that creates a crunchy and nutritious base for the granola bars.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet undertone to the recipe.

• Chocolate Chips, M&M's: Colorful and sweet additions that provide extra texture and indulgence to the granola bars.

Instructions for Homemade Granola Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Base

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over the edges for easy bar removal.

This clever trick helps you lift out the entire batch of granola bars smoothly.

Step 2: Create Sticky Binding

Combine peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in a saucepan.

Gently heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until everything melts together.

Let the mixture simmer briefly, then remove from heat.

Allow it to cool slightly before mixing in salt and vanilla for extra flavor depth.

Step 3: Blend Crunchy Elements

Roughly chop cashews to add interesting texture.

• Rolled oats
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped cashews

Let the mixture cool until it’s just warm.

Gently fold in chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s for a fun surprise in every bite.

Step 4: Shape Delicious Bars

Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.

This ensures compact, sturdy bars.

Sprinkle additional chocolate chips and M&M’s on top, pressing them gently into the surface.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the pan for one hour to help bars set completely.

Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out of the pan.

Slice into 12 perfect individual granola bars using a sharp knife.

Tips for Soft, Sweet Granola Bars

• Prevent Sticking Carefully line pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges hang over for smooth bar removal and hassle-free cutting.
• Control Melting Temperature Heat binding mixture slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning, allowing ingredients to combine smoothly without scorching.
• Pack Tightly Press granola mixture extremely firmly into pan using measuring cup base to ensure bars hold together without crumbling.
• Customize Chocolate Add extra chocolate chips or swap for different mix-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or alternative chocolate types to match personal preferences.
• Chill for Perfect Texture Refrigerate bars for exactly one hour to help ingredients set and create ideal chewy, firm consistency that won't fall apart.

New Granola Bar Mix-Ins and Swaps

• Nut-Free Nutrition Bars: Replace cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for allergy-friendly version.
• Vegan Power Bars: Swap honey with maple syrup, use coconut oil, and select vegan chocolate chips for plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Energy Bars: Substitute regular oats with certified gluten-free oats to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sugar Performance Bars: Use sugar-free chocolate chips, replace honey with sugar-free syrup, and add monk fruit sweetener for reduced sugar content.

Serving Chewy Granola Bars on the Go

• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these bars in individual wrappers for a delightful outdoor treat that stays fresh and tasty.
• Movie Night Munchies: Serve alongside popcorn and create a homemade snack platter with these chewy granola bars as the star attraction.
• Breakfast Companion: Pair with Greek yogurt or a smoothie for a balanced morning meal that provides energy and satisfies sweet cravings.
• Kid-Friendly Lunchbox Add-In: Slip these bars into school lunches as a nutritious and fun midday surprise that children will love.

Storing Granola Bars Perfectly

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months for quick grab-and-go snacks.
• Keep bars in sealed container at cool room temperature for 3-4 days. Avoid warm spots to maintain texture and prevent melting.
• Place small piece of parchment between bars to absorb excess moisture and keep granola bars crisp and fresh.

FAQs

• Are these granola bars healthy?

These bars offer balanced nutrition with whole grains from oats, protein from cashews, and natural sweeteners like honey. They provide energy and satisfying nutrients compared to store-bought versions.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some?

Yes, you can replace cashews with almonds or peanuts, swap honey with maple syrup, and use different chocolate chips or candy toppings based on your preference.

• How long will these granola bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars remain fresh for 5-7 days. For longer preservation, refrigerate and they’ll last up to 2 weeks.

Chewy Granola Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade chewy granola bars deliver irresistible comfort and wholesome goodness straight from your kitchen. Packed with nutritious ingredients and simple charm, these bars promise a delightful snack you’ll crave anytime.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) coconut oil (solid)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust if using salted nuts/peanut butter)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 3/4 cup roasted and salted cashews

Mix-ins:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) mini chocolate chips, divided
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) mini M&M’s, divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for effortless removal.
2. Create the binding base by combining peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in a saucepan. Gently heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until fully melted. Allow the mixture to simmer for one minute, then remove from heat and let cool for approximately 3 minutes. Incorporate salt and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
3. Roughly chop cashews into uneven pieces. Fold oats, shredded coconut, and chopped cashews into the cooled liquid mixture. Allow the combined ingredients to rest for 15-25 minutes until reaching a tepid temperature.
4. Gently fold chocolate chips and M&M’s into the granola mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the base.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, using a measuring cup to compress the ingredients firmly and create a uniform layer. Strategically sprinkle additional chocolate chips and M&M’s across the surface, delicately pressing them into the base.
6. Refrigerate the pan for one hour to allow the bars to set and solidify completely.
7. Remove the hardened granola bars from the refrigerator, lift the entire block using the parchment paper overhang, and slice into 12 consistent portions.

Notes

• Customize Texture by adjusting the amount of dry ingredients to achieve desired chewiness or crunchiness.
• Prevent Sticky Bars by ensuring the binding mixture is fully cooled before adding dry ingredients to maintain structural integrity.
• Create Dietary Alternatives by swapping peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options and using gluten-free oats for celiac-friendly version.
• Enhance Flavor Profiles by experimenting with different mix-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or alternative chocolate types to personalize the granola bars.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg