Homemade No Bake Granola Bars

I found this recipe over at Between the Lines about a month ago and couldn't pass it up! I mean, who wouldn't love to make homemade granola bars that won't heat up the kitchen? Especially when they're this easy!!

Of course, I played around with the recipe a bit and tweaked it to my family's preferences. But thanks to Kel, who inspired me.

Here's what you need for my version:

2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies
2 cups oats
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
Chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine the cereal, oats and wheat germ.


Stir together the brown sugar and honey in a sauce pan. Heat until just boiling. See the little bubbles around the edges? That's right when you want to take it off the heat.


Stir in the peanut butter and keep stirring until it's melted and smooth.


Pour over the cereal mixture and mix well. You want all the dry ingredients to be well coated so they'll stick together.


Press into a greased 9x13 pan. I use my hands, but you can use a spoon. Keep pressing until the mixture is firmly in place.


Now sprinkle some chocolate chips over the top and lightly press them into the bars. The mixture might still be warm, so the chips may get a little melty. That's okay. When they cool, it will help them stick.


Allow to cool completely, then cut into bars or squares - whatever you prefer. I cut this batch into bars and put them in snack size baggies to take on a trip. You can store them in the pan, covered, or in a Ziploc bag.


I just adore the chewiness of these bars. No crunching or crumbling! And you can customize them to your own family's likes and dislikes. Just try to keep the ratio of dry ingredients to sticky ingredients the same so you don't end up with bars that fall apart.

This recipe is linked to Blessed with Grace's Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Head over there to check out some more yummy recipes.