Take 5 Granola Bars

I have long been a fan of chewy granola bars.  I remember going to the grocery and constantly eyeing those chewy granola bars and asking my mom if we could pleeeaaase get a box of those tasty, delicious breakfast treats.  And she always agreed and allowed me to get a box to quench my craving.  Well, many years have passed since I frequented the grocery store with my mom, but I still have a weakness for those soft and chewy bars.  Spencer also shares a love for those, as well as Tucker.  Since we all have a weakness for them I decided it was about time to give the homemade version a whirl.

Now I believe the most popular flavor has to be the basic chocolate chip granola bar, but I wanted to amp the flavors up a bit so I decided to take some inspiration from my all-time favorite candy bar, Take-5, and use some of those ingredients in a granola bar.  These granola bars are incredibly easy to make and they are even no bake; just a few steps and a little time to allow them to set up and then you’re in business.

These granola bars are packed full of flavor; honey, peanut butter, pretzels and chocolate chips.  I mean, how could you go wrong with those flavors?  You’ve got your sweet, salty, chewy and crunchy.  All winners in my book!  These bars are a cinch to make, easily customizable to suite your tastes and a perfect snack to have on hand for those on-the-go breakfasts, road trips, or for an afternoon snack to quench that craving and get your through to supper! 

Take 5 Granola Bars

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup butter
1/3 Cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp honey
1/2 Cup peanut butter, divided (crunchy or creamy)
1/2 Cup pretzels, roughly chopped
1/3 Cup mini chocolate chips
2 Cups old fashioned oats
1 Cup rice cereal

Directions:

Place pretzels, oats and rice cereal in a large bowl and stir to combine.

Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper, spray with non stick cooking spray and set aside.

Place butter, brown sugar and honey in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat.  Once the butter has melted, increase heat and bring to a bubble. Once the mixture has started bubbling, allow mixture to boil 1 1/2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat, add 1/4 cup of peanut butter and stir to combine.  The peanut butter should be completely melted and incorporated.

Pour the mixture over the oat mixture and stir until all ingredients are completely coated.  Pour in the prepared pan, spread evenly.  Use an offset, or flat, spatula to press ingredients to the edges and corner of the pan.  Cover the mixture with a sheet of parchment or wax paper and press firmly to pack ingredients, remove top layer of parchment paper.  Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the bars, cover with parchment paper and press to pack in the chocolate chips. 

Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter and drizzle over the bars.

Place the bars in the refrigerator and allow to chill until set, at least one hour.  Once the bars are set, remove from pan, cut and place into a air tight container.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original