Homemade, No Bake, Granola Bars

I have been dying to try a recipe for homemade granola bars, but I could never find one that was exactly what I had in mind (surprise, surprise). I wanted a recipe that I didn't have to bake, because I prefer my granola bars soft not crunchy. I also wanted one that magically only had things I had on hand. :). I finally found this one from Rachel Ray that seemed pretty close to what I wanted but with some extras (aka fruit) that my husband wouldn't tolerate.  

Here is my adapted kid and husband friendly recipe:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 cup granola (my granola was flavored and it still worked just fine)

1 cup quick cooking oats

1 cup rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)

1/2 cup baby chocolate chips of your preference

Add butter, honey and brown sugar to a saucepan on medium high heat. Mix until boiling stirring pretty continuously. Once mixture is boiling turn down heat to medium low and stir for about two minutes until sugar dissolves.

 

Add in oats, granola, and rice krispies. I also added in a few extra chocolate chips at this point (I just can't control myself).

Then press mixture into an un-greased 9x9 inch pan (or something close to that size).

 

Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips over the top and press firmly into granola bars. Cool in fridge for 20 minutes, cut and enjoy!

 

They turned out SO YUMMY! Although next time I may try a recipe that is a tiny bit healthier...maybe... I still feel better about eating something that has way less preservatives and tastes better than a store bought variation. 

I have been keeping mine in the fridge. If you choose to do this let your bar sit out about ten minutes before you eat it to soften up. 

Good luck with yours!  

 *This post may be linked up at one of these fabulous linky parties, check them out!