Transform pantry staples into Chocolate Chip Granola Bars—that don’t even need to be baked! These are a favorite kids snack that is easy to prep and costs less than store-bought bars.
We love my Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, but on the days I don’t want to turn on the oven, this snack for kids is my go-to.
Quick Look: Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Servings: 12-16
- Flavor Profile: Vanilla granola bar with chocolate chips
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for everyday snacks
- Why to Make: It’s a quick way to make kids snacks for less than store-bought
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Table of Contents
This is a great no-bake snack because the method is so easy: All you need to do is stir the ingredients together, press into a pan, slice, and chill. You can serve them on their own, or pair with fruit or even a toddler smoothie.
Why this Recipe Works
With just a handful of basic but nutritious ingredients, you can stir together a quick batch of fiber-rich snack bars to share with the kids…for less than you’d spend on a box of them from the store.
They do need to be chilled to hold their shape, but otherwise, they are one of the easiest homemade healthy snacks to make and share with the kids.
(You may also like my Healthy Granola Bars, Cereal Bars, and my No-Bake Chocolate Granola Bars.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Rolled oats: I like to use a base of regular old-fashioned rolled oats in these bars so they are a similar texture as bars from the store.
- Honey: This sticky ingredient helps the batter hold together. If you prefer not to use honey, choose brown rice syrup or Date Paste.
- Coconut oil: I use this oil since it firms up when cold, which helps the bars hold together without baking them.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla, either pure or artificial, helps enhance the flavor of the bars.
- Mini chocolate chips: These are the perfect size for granola bars, so it’s my preference to use them over full-size ones.
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Here’s a preview of how to make these Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Melt coconut oil then stir in the honey.
Step 2. Add the dry ingredients and mix.
Step 3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir together to mix into a uniform mixture.
Step 4. Press the mixture down firmly into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges and sides. Chill before slicing.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars FAQs
I did my best to make them as low as possible, but another option would be my Homemade Granola Bars, which have less sugar.
They hold their bar shape best when chilled and have a pleasant bite, like chewy granola bars from the store.
You can put them into a single container in the fridge or wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a storage bag or container in the fridge for easy packing in a lunchbox on future days.
How to Store
Store Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars in the refrigerator for up to 2 months to ensure they stay fresh and hold their shape.
Best Tips for Success
- Pack with an ice pack if sending to daycare or school.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Replace the chocolate chips with dried cranberries or raisins if you prefer.
- Use brown rice syrup in place of the honey to increase the chewy texture.
- Pack as a road trip snack or travel snack.
- Add to a kids lunch, serve as an after school snack, or with vanilla milk as a protein snack for kids.
More Easy Kids Snacks
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Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup oat flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Add the honey and coconut oil to a medium bowl. Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds to melt and stir.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the honey mixture and stir together to mix into a uniform batter.
- Press the mixture down firmly into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges and sides. (Press it down VERY firmly to ensure that it all holds together; the bottom of a jar can help here.)
- Place into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Use the parchment paper to lift the mixture out of the pan, place onto a cutting board, and slice into bars.
- Store bars in the refrigerator to ensure they hold their shape.
Equipment
Notes
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 2 months to ensure they stay fresh and hold their shape.
- Add 2 tablespoons hemp or chia seeds to boost nutrition.
- Pack with an ice pack if sending to daycare or school.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
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