Description
These no-bake homemade Granola Bars with chocolate and marshmallows are chewy, easy to make, and a winning combination of kid-favorites. Perfect for a quick snack or lunchbox treat, they combine oats, crispy cereal, and sweet marshmallows with rich chocolate chips for a delightful texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 2/3 cup honey
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup graham crackers, crushed in pieces and crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cereal marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Spray an 8x8-inch pan with vegetable oil or baking spray and line just the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter mixture: In a small pot over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar, and honey. Whisk continuously until the mixture bubbles, then cook precisely for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, Rice Krispies cereal, crushed graham crackers, and salt evenly.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently whisk together to coat everything thoroughly, being careful not to break the cereal. Allow the mixture to cool for 20 minutes to prevent melting the marshmallows later.
- Add marshmallows and chocolate: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and cereal marshmallows to the cooled mixture without breaking them up.
- Press into pan and chill: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down gently but firmly to compact the ingredients into an even layer. Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours to let the bars solidify before slicing into 16 pieces.
Notes
- Use parchment paper only on the bottom of the pan to make removal easy without interfering with side release.
- Do not overcook the butter mixture to avoid hard bars; bubbling for 2 minutes is sufficient.
- Let the mixture cool before adding marshmallows to prevent melting and clumping.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- You can swap mini chocolate chips for other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit if desired.
