No-Bake Granola Bars (Back To School Recipe)

These easy, yummy no-bake granola bars are perfect energy boosters for back-to-school kids and moms! Moms can prepare the traditional granola bar or have it in three varieties. Kids will love nut and raisin granola bar, peanut butter and jelly granola bar, or double chocolate bar for their school snacks.

Ingredients:

For the base:

• 1.5 cups rolled oats (or quick-cooking oats)
• 1 cup rice-crispy cereal

For the caramel:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Nut & Raisin Bar:

• 1/3 cup toasted and chopped almonds
• 1/3 cup chopped raisins
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Peanut Butter & Jelly Bar:

• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup chopped peanuts
• 6 tbsp strawberry jam (or raspberry jam)

Double Chocolate Bar:

• 1 cup mini semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder

Instructions:

For the base:

In a mixing bowl, add 1.5 cups of rolled oats and 1 cup of rice crispy cereal.

For the caramel:

In a microwave-proof bowl, add 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of honey.
Place inside the microwave.
Microwave for 2 minutes until it caramelizes.
Add 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
Mix well.

Pour caramel mixture into the oats mixture.
Mix well.
Transfer mixture into a parchment-lined small baking tray.
Press the mixture tightly into the tray.
Place inside the fridge for 2 hours or until set.
Once set, remove from the fridge.
Cut into servings and enjoy!

If you want to prepare something else, then here are three varieties of no-bake granola bars.

Nut & Raisin Bar:

Add 1/3 cup of toasted and chopped almonds into the base mixture.
Add 1/3 cup of chopped raisins and 1/4 cup of shredded coconut.
Mix well.
Transfer mixture into a parchment-lined small baking tray.
Press the mixture tightly into the tray.
Place inside the fridge for 2 hours or until set.
Once set, remove from the fridge.
Cut into servings and enjoy!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Bar:

Add 1/3 cup of peanut butter in the caramel mix when done in the microwave.
Mix well.
Pour into the oats mixture.
Add 1/3 cup of chopped peanuts into the base mixture.
Mix well.
Transfer half of the mixture into a parchment-lined small baking tray.
Press the mixture tightly into the tray.
Spread 6 tbsp of strawberry or raspberry jam on top of it.
Place the remaining oats mixture on top of the jam.
Carefully press the mixture.
Place inside the fridge for 2 hours or until set.
Once set, remove from the fridge.
Cut into servings and enjoy!

Double Chocolate Bar:

Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened natural cocoa powder into the caramel mixture.
Mix well.
Pour into the oats mixture.
Add 1 cup of mini semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
Mix until well combined.
Transfer mixture into a parchment-lined small baking tray.
Press the mixture tightly into the tray.
Place inside the fridge for 2 hours or until set.
Once set, remove from the fridge.
Cut into servings and enjoy!

Tips and ideas:

You can store these granola bars in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.

Add toppings for each granola bar if you prefer for more taste.

Images – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqspUDzr6Xk