These chewy chocolate chip granola bars are a tasty, nourishing snack you can make in minutes. With only six ingredients and no baking required, they come together in one bowl for an easy, satisfying treat.
These chewy chocolate chip granola bars are made with rolled oats and peanut butter for a filling base rich in healthy fats and whole-grain fiber. They’re highly customizable — add nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or swap ingredients to suit your tastes. No oven needed: simply mix, press, and chill.
If you enjoy no-bake snacks, try other simple recipes like no-bake blueberry bliss balls, soft and chewy coconut balls, or easy no-bake granola balls for more quick treats.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Need
- Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Step By Step Instructions
- Storage Instructions
- Tips For Success
- Recipe FAQs
- More Bar Recipes You’ll Love
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe
What You’ll Need
Ingredients for these chewy chocolate chip granola bars:
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Gluten-free oats work if you need a gluten-free option.
- Crispy rice cereal: Adds crunch and lightness; replace with extra oats if preferred.
- Peanut butter: Natural, smooth peanut butter binds the bars and adds healthy fats and flavor. Swap with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini for a different profile.
- Honey: Provides sweetness and a thick texture that helps the bars hold together. Because honey is included, do not give these to children under 1 year old.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Mini chips work well for even distribution; substitute seeds or chopped nuts if desired.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities.
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Crispy rice cereal: Replace with equal parts rolled oats for a chewier bar.
- Peanut butter: Use another nut or seed butter (almond, cashew, sunflower) for allergy-friendly or different flavors.
- Chocolate chips: Swap for chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to reduce sugar or change the texture.
Step By Step Instructions
STEP 1: In a medium bowl, stir together the honey, peanut butter, and vanilla until combined.
STEP 2: Add the rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, and chocolate chips. Mix until every piece is coated; it may look dry at first but will come together as you stir.
STEP 3: Transfer the mixture to a granola bar mold or to a parchment-lined 9×5-inch loaf pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press it firmly and evenly so the bars hold together. Optionally press a few extra mini chocolate chips into the top.
STEP 4: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Remove from the mold or slice into bars if using a loaf pan. For a firmer texture, freeze for a few minutes before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months. Wrap individual bars in parchment or place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Serve chilled; if frozen, allow a few minutes at room temperature to soften before eating.
Tips For Success
- When using a granola bar mold, divide the mixture into 6 sections for thicker bars or 8 sections for thinner bars. If using a loaf pan, slice into 7–8 bars after chilling.
- Press the mixture very firmly into the mold or pan to ensure the bars hold together once chilled.
- Chill for at least an hour before slicing or removing from molds for best texture and shape.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. To double the batch, press and chill the mixture in an 8×8-inch brownie pan for even thickness and easy slicing.
Honey works best because its thickness helps bind the bars. If you use maple syrup, heat it briefly with the peanut butter and vanilla to thicken the mixture, but note the bars may be slightly less firm.
More Bar Recipes You’ll Love
Banana Peanut Butter Bars
Strawberry Jam Crumble Bars
Applesauce Oatmeal Bars
Strawberry Banana Oat Bars
If you tried these Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, please leave a ⭐ star rating and share how they turned out in the comments — I love hearing from you!
Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
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Ingredients
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup crispy rice cereal
- 3 tbsp mini chocolate chips
Instructions
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Add the honey, peanut butter, and vanilla to a medium bowl and stir together until just combined.
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Add the rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, and chocolate chips to the bowl and mix until combined and all of the oats and crispy cereal pieces are fully coated.
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Place the mixture into a granola bar mold or a parchment-lined 9×5-inch loaf pan. Press firmly so the mixture holds together and press extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
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Chill the bars in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Remove from the mold or slice into bars and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Notes
- If using a granola bar mold, divide the mixture into 6 portions for thicker bars or 8 for thinner bars. For a loaf pan, line with parchment and slice into 7–8 bars after chilling.
- Press the mixture firmly to prevent the bars from falling apart once chilled.
- Allow the bars to fully chill for at least an hour before slicing or removing from molds for the best results.
Nutrition
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