There’s just something irresistibly nostalgic and satisfying about Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. Imagine a soft, slightly sticky bite loaded with a hint of salty peanut butter, sweet chocolate chips, and plenty of classic oat goodness—all held together with just the right amount of chew. This recipe is the answer to store-bought cravings, giving you control over every ingredient while capturing all the convenience and joy of your favorite snack. Whether you’re packing them into lunchboxes, sneaking one with your morning coffee, or reaching for a boost after a workout, these homemade bars fit beautifully into any moment that could use a touch of wholesome, chocolatey happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how accessible and uncomplicated the ingredients are for these bars. Each element has its special role—some bring the signature chew, others add sweet richness, and a few provide that iconic crunch and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate finish.

Rolled Oats: The hearty base that gives Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars their undeniable texture and wholesome flavor.
Rice Cereal: Adds a light, crispy bite to balance out the chewiness.
Mini Chocolate Chips: These melt just enough to create gooey pockets of chocolate, but hold their shape for that classic look.
Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and helps the mixture bind together perfectly.
Honey: Natural sweetness and a sticky texture guarantee your bars won’t crumble apart.
Light Brown Sugar: Contributes a deeper, almost caramel-like sweetness that rounds out the flavor.
Creamy Peanut Butter: For a creamy, salty-sweet glue that also provides protein.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash makes the chocolate and peanut butter flavors pop beautifully.
Salt: The smallest pinch enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This small step makes lifting out and slicing your Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars a breeze—no prying or sticking, just perfect bars every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, rice cereal, and half of the chocolate chips. This blend ensures that every bar will have the ideal mix of chewy oats, crunchy crisped rice, and luscious chocolate in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Binding Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter, honey, and brown sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a low bubble. This syrup is the magic that’ll hold your Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars together and give them their signature texture.

Step 4: Stir in the Peanut Butter Mixture

Once the syrup looks golden and silky, remove it from the heat. Add your peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring until everything is perfectly smooth and well combined. This step infuses a rich nutty aroma into the warm syrup, setting the foundation for delicious bars.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the peanut butter and syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or sturdy spoon to mix everything together until all the oats and crisped rice are thoroughly coated. At this point, patience is key—make sure there aren’t any dry pockets hiding at the bottom of the bowl!

Step 6: Add the Remaining Chocolate Chips

Let the mixture cool just a few minutes, then gently fold in the remaining chocolate chips. This helps the chips stay mostly intact and creates a beautiful chocolatey stud through the surface—think extra chocolate in every bite!

Step 7: Press Into the Pan and Chill

Transfer the mixture to your lined pan and press it down firmly. Use greased hands or the bottom of a measuring cup for this—it makes all the difference for compact, easy-to-slice bars. Pop the pan into your refrigerator for at least two hours. This chill time lets everything set up so your Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars slice cleanly and hold together perfectly.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy!

Lift the chilled slab out, place it on a cutting board, and use a sharp knife to cut your bars to your desired size. Whether you like generous rectangles for lunchboxes or dainty squares for snacking, the choice is yours—either way, you’re in for a chewy, satisfying treat!

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Garnishes

For a fancy twist, drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with flaky sea salt right after slicing. You can even press a few more mini chocolate chips or some finely chopped nuts onto the surface before the bars chill for added texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these granola bars with a cold glass of milk, a creamy yogurt parfait, or fresh fruit for a balanced snack. They also make a fantastic companion to your morning coffee or tea—especially on those bustling days when you need something satisfying on the go.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for charming lunchbox treats or gifts. Layer sliced Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars on a platter with berries and nuts for a DIY snack board, or stack them in a nostalgic cookie jar for easy grabbing. They’re endlessly adaptable and utterly delightful, however you present them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars will stay fresh for up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking. Perfect for planning ahead so you always have a sweet, satisfying snack within reach!

Freezing

If you want to make a bigger batch, these bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature for an hour or enjoy straight from the freezer if you love a super-firm, frosty chew.

Reheating

These no-bake bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’re craving a warm, melty treat, microwave a bar for about 5–10 seconds. The chocolate chunks will get gooey, and the oats become even chewier—it’s like eating a just-baked cookie, only packed with a bit more nutrition!

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Yes! Old-fashioned rolled oats work beautifully in Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, providing that hearty, rustic texture. Quick oats can be used for a slightly softer bar, but regular rolled oats give the best chew and structure.

What’s the best substitute if I’m avoiding peanut butter?

Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are all great alternatives. Each brings its own subtle flavor but will still create the same creamy-binding magic as peanut butter in these bars.

How can I make Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars gluten-free?

Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats and rice cereal. Always double-check the packaging for gluten-free labels, and you’re good to go—this swap is super simple and won’t change the texture or flavor.

How do I get my bars to hold together better?

Really press the mixture firmly into the pan—don’t be shy! The pressure is what helps all those oats and rice cereal stick together as the syrup cools. Also, don’t reduce the amount of syrup, as it’s key for binding the bars and giving them their chewy character.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base—try folding in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds, or sprinkle in some dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins for extra bursts of flavor and texture. Just keep the total add-ins to about half a cup to ensure your bars still hold together nicely.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat that brings together the best of chewy oats and sweet chocolate, it’s time to make your own batch of Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. They’re simple to put together, totally customizable, and sure to brighten any snack break. Grab your ingredients and get stirring—your new favorite homemade snack awaits!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are a delightful blend of oats, rice cereal, chocolate chips, and peanut butter, held together with a sweet honey and butter mixture. Perfect for a quick snack or lunchbox treat!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Granola Bars:

2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup rice cereal (like crisped rice)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Wet Mixture:

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, rice cereal, and half of the mini chocolate chips.
Prepare Wet Mixture: In a saucepan, melt butter, honey, and brown sugar. Remove from heat, then stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until coated. Add remaining chocolate chips.
Set and Chill: Press the mixture into the pan, chill in the fridge for 2 hours until set.
Cut and Store: Cut into bars and store in an airtight container at room temperature.