The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (That Don’t Fall Apart!)

Jess Barrera
3 hours ago
3 min read

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect healthy, store-bought granola bar for years… and honestly? I gave up.

Every “healthy” organic brand I tried was either dry, gritty, or hard as a rock. My kids barely touched them. And the brands they did love? Loaded with additives like carrageenan, emulsifiers, and way too much sugar — ingredients I’d rather not have in their daily snacks.

So I took matters into my own hands.

After testing a bunch of homemade recipes and tweaking ingredients, I finally created a chewy chocolate chip granola bar that checks all the boxes:

✅ Soft and chewy

✅ Just sweet enough

✅ No baking required

✅ Made with pantry staples

✅ Actually kid-approved

This is now my kids’ favorite snack to pack for camping trips, road trips, and hotel stays. It's a treat from home they look forward to — and I feel good knowing exactly what's in it.

Easy No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

These granola bars are easy to make, and if your kids like to help in the kitchen, this is a great hands-on recipe for them to join in! Print the Recipe Sheet Here!

Ingredients:

2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup crispy rice cereal
¼ cup salted butter
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips (regular size is okay too!)

Instructions:

Prepare the pan: Lightly spray an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats and crispy rice cereal.
Make the syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt together the butter, brown sugar, and honey. Once it begins to bubble, reduce heat to low and stir for about 2 minutes.
Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine everything: Pour the hot syrup over your oat and cereal mixture. Stir well to coat every bit — no dry spots!
Press into pan: Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to flatten and press down firmly.
Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the surface so they stick.
Chill to set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight — my favorite way!).
Slice and store: Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into 10–12 bars. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Why We Love These:

They’re chewy but hold together perfectly (no crumbly mess!).
They travel well — ideal for school lunches, road snacks, and airport days.
My kids think they’re dessert. I know they’re balanced and homemade.

Whether you’re looking for a better snack option for your little ones or just want a satisfying afternoon treat that doesn’t come with a side of parent guilt — give these a try!

Print the Recipe Sheet Here!

Pin or bookmark this recipe for your next batch of homemade snack bars. Your future self (and your kids) will thank you.