Easy No Bake Granola Bars

I love me some good homemade granola bars! I really have been trying to avoid the pre-packaged crap at the grocery stores and this is one food that is so easy to give up buying boxed and make yourself.  I have tried a few different recipes and came up with my own over time.  Brayden loves being my helper when we make these and I'm sure if you asked him, his favorite part would be when we add the chocolate chips :)

So here ya go - a foolproof recipe for yummy homemade granola bars that even your kids will love!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ½ cups Rice Krispies 
• 1 ¾ cups rolled oats (I'm sure you could use quick oats too)
• ½ cup Cheerios
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar 
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• handful of chocolate chips

First, grease a 9 x 13 pan and set aside. Then add the honey, brown sugar, and salt into a saucepan. Cook over medium low heat until it starts to bubble.  Make sure to mix it good while waiting for it to boil.  Let it boil for about a minute then remove from heat.  Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract.

Next add the rice krispies, rolled oats, and cheerios and mix it all together.  Make sure to scrape the bottom to ensure you're getting a good mix.

Once done, spread the mixture into your 9x13 greased pan and pat down (I use a spoon to help spread it around and flatten down a little)  Then add your chocolate chips and slightly press them into the bars.  I put mine in the fridge right away for a couple of hours and then they are ready to go!

I also keep mine in the fridge so they last longer (you can also freeze) but when I go to take one out, I let it sit out for a minute or two so it softens up a bit.  These are so chewy and addictive, I bet you can't eat just one :)  

Best of all my son begs for these once they are ready! They are good for breakfast or an easy, fast snack!