Healthy snacks are hard to come by on college campuses, which is why it’s great that it is so darn easy to make them yourself. Another plus: these taste similar to the beloved Chewy Bars from your childhood, but are significantly better for you. Even better? You can customize them to include exactly what you want, so feel free to substitute ingredients to include your favorites. These bars are portable, inexpensive, quick, and easy to make (in the microwave!), and delicious. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
1 stick butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 cups quick cooking oats (not rolled oats!)
1 cup crispy rice cereal
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2-3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Photo by Rachel Conners
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, stir together quick cooking oats and crispy rice cereal. Set aside.
Photo by Rachel Conners
2. In a heatproof bowl or Pyrex measuring cup, stir together butter, honey and brown sugar. Microwave until it starts boiling (about 2 minutes with my low-wattage microwave, could be sooner for you). Once it begins to boil, let boil for 1 more minute in the microwave. Remove from microwave and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
Photo by Rachel Conners
Photo by Rachel Conners
3. Pour hot honey mixture over dry ingredients and mix until all the dry ingredients are coated.
Photo by Rachel Conners
Photo by Rachel Conners
4. Pour into a lightly greased 8×8 pan. Press the mixture firmly into the pan and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Let sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or in the refrigerator for a half hour or until set.
Photo by Rachel Conners
Photo by Rachel Conners
5. Cut into 10 bars and store tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in a tupperware.