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Chewy Homemade Granola Bars with Dark Chocolate Chips

chewy homemade granola bars - featured image

These chewy homemade granola bars with dark chocolate chips offer a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures with a touch of bittersweet chocolate, making them a wholesome and indulgent snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup (115g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (135g) dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, 1/3 cup (115g) honey, and 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar. Stir gently until melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  3. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups (180g) rolled oats, 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts if using, 3/4 cup (135g) dark chocolate chips, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon if using. Stir to mix evenly.
  4. Pour the warm honey and butter mixture over the oats and chocolate chips. Fold gently but thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until every oat is coated and the mixture looks sticky and glossy.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly with your hands or the back of a spatula to compact the mixture tightly.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are golden and the top is slightly firm but still soft enough to stay chewy. Avoid overbaking.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Lift the slab out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Chill for 15 minutes if desired for cleaner slicing.
  9. Use a sharp knife to cut into 10-12 bars.

Notes

Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal. Press the mixture firmly to ensure chewy bars. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness. Cooling completely before slicing is essential. For melty chocolate pockets, mix half the chips in before baking and press the rest on top immediately after baking while warm. Store airtight at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to two months.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, homemade granola bars, chewy granola bars, dark chocolate chips, healthy snacks, easy granola bars, snack bars, no bake bars