No Bake Granola Bars

No Bake Granola Bars Recipe - Easy and Delicious

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

Introduction

No Bake Granola Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for those busy days when you need a quick energy boost. Packed with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a healthy dose of nutrients.

History

Granola bars have been a popular snack for many years, with various recipes and variations being created over time. The no-bake version of granola bars became popular due to their simplicity and convenience, making them a go-to snack for people of all ages.

Ingredients

2.5 cups of crisp rice cereal
2 cups of uncooked quick cooking oats
0.5 cups of raisins
0.5 cups of firmly packed brown sugar
0.5 cups of light corn syrup
0.5 cups of peanut butter
1 tsp of vanilla
0.5 cups of milk chocolate morsels

How to prepare

Combine the first three ingredients in a large bowl.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the brown sugar and corn syrup to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until well blended.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture, stirring until coated. Let it stand for 10 minutes.
Stir in the chocolate morsels.
Press the mixture into a 13 x 9 inch pan.
Allow it to cool in the pan.
Cut into bars.

Variations

Add dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.
Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.
Sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds on top for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stir the peanut butter mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated.

- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure that the bars hold together well.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

These granola bars are perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon snack, or a post-workout treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making these granola bars is to mix the ingredients well and press them firmly into the pan to ensure that they hold together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have corn syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

These granola bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the bars into different shapes or sizes for a fun presentation, or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

These granola bars pair well with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a piece of fruit for a balanced snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They do not need to be reheated before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these granola bars contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these no-bake granola bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these granola bars contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these granola bars contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These granola bars are a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

These granola bars contain peanuts and milk chocolate, so they may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, these no-bake granola bars are a tasty and nutritious snack option that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

No Bake Granola Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that is easy to make and perfect for any time of day. With a combination of oats, peanut butter, and chocolate, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a sunny afternoon and I was visiting my friend Clara who always had the best snacks on hand. She pulled out a tray of these delicious looking no bake granola bars and offered me one. From the first bite, I was hooked. The combination of oats, nuts, and honey was simply irresistible.

I begged Clara for the recipe and she happily obliged. She told me that she had learned how to make these granola bars from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn this recipe and carry on the tradition.

I watched closely as Clara demonstrated how to make the granola bars. She started by toasting the oats and nuts in a skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then, she mixed in some honey, peanut butter, and a splash of vanilla extract to bind everything together. The mixture was then pressed into a baking dish and left to set in the fridge.

As I followed Clara's instructions and made my own batch of granola bars, I couldn't help but think about all the memories and stories that were woven into this recipe. I thought about Clara's grandmother, who had lovingly made these granola bars for her as a child. I imagined the laughter and joy that must have filled their kitchen as they worked together to create these tasty treats.

After my granola bars had set in the fridge, I eagerly cut into them and took a bite. The taste was just as I remembered - sweet, crunchy, and utterly satisfying. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, to be shared with friends and family for years to come.

Over the years, I have made these no bake granola bars countless times, each batch reminding me of that sunny afternoon with Clara. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding in different nuts and seeds, or drizzling some melted chocolate on top. But no matter how I choose to customize the recipe, the core ingredients of oats, nuts, honey, and love remain the same.

I have shared this recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing on not just the instructions for making the granola bars, but also the stories and memories that are intertwined with it. I hope that they, too, will find joy and comfort in creating this simple yet delicious treat.

As I sit down with a cup of tea and a freshly made batch of no bake granola bars, I can't help but feel grateful for the friends and family who have enriched my life with their recipes and traditions. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with loved ones, past and present, and I am thankful for the gift of sharing good food and good company.

So here I am, savoring each bite of these no bake granola bars, knowing that the recipe will continue to be a part of my family's story for generations to come. And for that, I am truly grateful.