Chewy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Today I’m introducing my take on Homemade Chewy Bars featuring hearty old fashioned oats, melted unsalted butter, and a touch of honey blended with dark brown sugar. I tossed in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips for a playful twist that the whole family will enjoy. It is a no bake delight.

I’ve recently been experimenting in the kitchen and came up with these Chewy Homemade Granola Bars that quickly became a favorite in our house. I mix together 2 cups of old fashioned rolled oats with a blend of 1/2 cup unsalted butter that’s been melted, 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, which give the bars a chewy texture that totally wins.

I also throw in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance all the sweet flavors. Once I combine the mix, I stir in the 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup chocolate chips, making sure every bite is filled with delicious little surprises.

I love that these bars dont require any baking, making them perfect no-fuss snack options that are great for kids, road trips or even a quick afternoon treat. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love these homemade granola bars cuz they’re just so dang easy to whip up without needing the oven, and they taste awesome every single time. First off, I really dig that they don’t require any baking – you just melt and mix everything, which means less hassle and fewer chances to mess up. Then, the combo of chocolate chips with mini marshmallows is just unbeatable; every bite has that perfect mix of sweet and chewy that makes my day. Also, I love that they’re super versatile – whether I’m packing them in my lunchbox for school or grabbing a quick snack after a long day, they always hit the spot. And honestly, it just feels really cool to make something from scratch that turns out as a kid-favorite treat every time.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats: rich in fibre and carbs that gives a steady energy boost.
• Unsalted butter: melted for smooth texture, but it cooks quickly if not watchin it.
• Honey: natural sweetener that adds a bright flavor and quick energy burst.
• Dark brown sugar: delivers a deep caramel taste making every bite satisfyingly sweet.
• Vanilla extract: enhances overall flavor by adding a warm, inviting hint.
• Mini marshmallows: add a soft texture contrast and extra sugary fun.
• Chocolate chips: offer tasty bursts that make every bite just amazing.
• Salt: a pinch that intensifies flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• Mixing ingredients: careful technique helps merging all flavors perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

How to Make this

1. Get all your ingredients ready. Start by measuring out 2 cups of old fashioned rolled oats, butter, honey, and dark brown sugar.

2. In a small pan, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter together with the 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar over medium-low heat; stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

4. Place the rolled oats in a large mixing bowl.

5. Pour the warm mixture over the oats and mix well so everything gets coated.

6. Now add the 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the bowl and gently fold them into the mix.

7. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper to make sure your granola bars can come out easily.

8. Pour the mixture into the pan and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly into an even layer.

9. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes then move it to the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.

10. Once it’s firm, take the pan out of the fridge and cut it into bars. Enjoy your homemade chewy granola bars!

Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cups and spoons for all the ingredients
2. A small pan for melting the butter, honey, and sugar
3. A wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula for stirring
4. A large mixing bowl for mixing the oats and coated ingredients
5. An 8×8 inch baking pan to press the mixture into
6. Parchment paper to line the pan
7. A knife (or bench scraper) to cut the granola bars after they set
8. A refrigerator for setting the bars after cooling at room temperature

FAQ

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter: try using the same amount of coconut oil if you prefer a hint of coconut flavor or need a dairy-free option.
• Honey: you can swap it for maple syrup, which gives a similar sweetness and a slightly different, but enjoyable taste.
• Dark brown sugar: mix granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses per cup of sugar; it’ll give you that rich, deep flavor.
• Vanilla extract: you can substitute with a few drops of almond extract if you’re looking for a different nuance in your bars.

Pro Tips

1. Try lightly toasting the oats in a dry pan before mixing ’em in. It really boosts the flavor and gives your bars a nice, nutty taste kinda like a secret upgrade.
2. Be careful not to let your melted butter and sugar mix get too hot when you combine it with the oats. If it’s too hot it could start melting the chocolate chips and marshmallows too early, making your bars all gooey.
3. When you press your mix into the pan, really press it down hard. This helps the bars stick together better so they don’t fall apart when you’re cutting ’em.
4. If you can, let your granola bars chill in the fridge for a little extra time than the recipe says. Sometimes a bit more time helps them set really nicely and makes ’em chewier.