no-bake

I'm always on the hunt for snack ideas for my kids, especially ones that aren't overly processed. I've only made homemade granola bars one other time (these pumpkin spice ones) and they turned out pretty well. For the second time around, I searched for recipes for no bake granola bars to keep it even simpler. I opted for no bake granola bars with chocolate chips and cranberries, adapted from this recipe. I removed the almonds and added more chocolate chips than the original recipe used. The best part about these no bake granola bars is just how easy they are to make. But I don't want to deceive you, as there is some minor cooking required. Although you don't bake the bars themselves, the recipe does call for toasting the oats in the oven and also melting the sugars and butter on the stove. Overall, these bars are super easy and quick to make. From start to finish, it probably takes 15 minutes, not including the time they need to sit in the fridge to firm up. These no bake granola bars are so good---so much better than the store-bought version with a lot less additives. If you think you don't have time to make snacks like these at home, think again! It's actually so simple and you can even get your kids on in the action. They will love dumping the oats into the bowl or mixing in the cranberries. These bars are so chewy and the chocolate and cranberries compliment each other so well! If you've got 15 minutes, you've got to give this recipe a try. If you prefer nuts or seeds in your granola bars, feel free to add them! This recipe is a great base, and will hold up well to the addition of 1/2 cup of whatever nuts and seeds you might like. What's your favorite homemade snack recipe? No-Bake Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Cranberries Ingredients: 2 ½ cups old fashion oats 1/3 cup honey ¼ cup unsalted butter ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup dried cranberries ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided in half Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of an 8x8 pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Place the oats on a baking sheet, and toast in the oven for 5 minutes. Stir and toast for another 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. While the oats are toasting, combine the honey, butter, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts completely. Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the oats and mix until combined. Add the cranberries and stir to combine. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes before adding half of the chocolate chips. Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly with the back of a spatula. Once the oat mixture is firmly packed in the pan, drop the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top of the bars and press lightly to secure them into the bars mixture. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to ensure they are completely set. Remove the bars from the pan and foil. Cut into desired shape and enjoy!

no-bake

No Bake Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Cranberries