We love to have granola bars on hand for quick snacks, especially during the summer months. We especially enjoy soft, chewy no-bake granola bars. Our no-bake granola bars are packed with the goodness of quick rolled oats, puffed rice and quinoa puffs.

To start, mix 2 cups of quick rolled oats, 1/2 cup of puffed rice and 1/2 cup of quinoa puffs in a large bowl. Add up to 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins or shredded coconut, if desired. Set the bowl aside.

Measure 1/4 cup of unsalted butter or vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of honey and 1/3 cup of packed light brown sugar into a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Allow the mixture to simmer for two minutes, then remove it from the stove and add 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon.

Pour the hot sugar mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until they’re evenly coated. Press the granola bar mixture into a lightly greased, small jelly roll pan or baking dish. Press 1/4 cup of organic dark chocolate chips into the top of the granola bars. Let the granola bars cool in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, then turn them out onto a cutting board and cut them into individual bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store them in a cool, dry place for up to three to four days. (But they definitely never last that long at our house!)

Feel free to experiment with adding different types of nuts, seeds and dried fruit to your granola bars!

Have you ever made homemade granola bars? What are some of your favorite add-ins?

This entry was posted on Friday, June 15th, 2012 at 9:00 am and is filed under Recipes.