No-Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Just in time for Back to School!  These granola bars could be tossed in a lunch box, eaten as an after school snack or a quick breakfast with a glass milk on those rushed mornings.  This recipe looks easy and I don't even have to turn on the oven.  The kids might be back to school, but it's still hot outside.

Ingredients (printable recipe)

2 cups quick cooking oats--not rolled oats!

1 cup crispy rice cereal
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
1/4 cup honey*
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

4 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Cooking spray

Directions

In a large bowl, stir oats and rice cereal together. Set aside. In a small pot, melt butter, honey and brown sugar together over medium high heat until it comes to a bubble. Reduce the heat and cook 2 minutes. Pour in vanilla and stir. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well to moisten all ingredients. Pour into lightly greased (cooking spray works well) 8x8 pan and press out evenly, packing mixture together. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. Press chips down lightly with a rubber spatula. Cool on a countertop to room temperature for two hours or until the chocolate chips are set before cutting into bars. Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap and store at room temperature. 

*Spray measuring cup with cooking spray before adding honey. The honey will slide right out!

Update: We still love these granola bars. So much that I now double the recipe and use a 9x13 pan to have enough bars for our family of six.

Adapted from Lauren's Latest 

OK, you can see that the chocolate chips aren't completely set, yet. We couldn't wait!

The Results... 
Super easy to make and delicious!  I already had most of these ingredients on hand.  The first pan went so quickly, I had to make a second!  Everyone liked these, even my husband who isn't usually a granola bar fan.  This recipe is a keeper.  I know I'll be making these again and again!

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