Princess Rain’s Chewy Granola Bars (aka “Honey, Peanut Butter, Banana, Chip, Chewy Bars)

These NO BAKE, chewy granola bars are a nutritious and delicious snack, lunchbox treat, or even breakfast when time is running short. Kids will love that they pack all the FANTASTIC flavors of Princess Rain’s signature “honey, peanut butter, banana, chip sandwich” into one delicious, on-the-go treat (we do offer alternative ingredients for kids with peanut allergies). Adults will love that they are plant based, dairy free, and full of protein, fiber, and vitamins. This versatile recipe is also EASY for kids and adults to make and cheaper than store bought chewy granola bars.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups regular crispy rice or brown rice cereal

1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats

½ cup honey (or brown rice syrup)

¼ cup brown sugar

½ cup smooth, natural peanut butter (you can substitute almond butter). *See Sir Sidney’s Science Tip!

½ cup any combination of chopped peanuts and/or crushed dried banana chips (really you can use any nut, dried fruit, or even coconut here)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup CHILLED mini chocolate chips

(Optional) 2 Tablespoons seeds such as chia, flax, or sunflower

(Optional) banana chips for garnish

Directions:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch or 11 x7-inch pan with butter or cooking spray and/or line with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients EXCEPT brown sugar and chocolate chips.
4. (Adult) Combine brown sugar and honey in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
5. Immediately remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla.
6. Pour over dry ingredients and mix to combine.
7.  Add chocolate chips (the mixture will start to harden so work FAST).  
8. Transfer to your greased pan and press down VERY HARD with either clean wet hands, wax paper, or a lid.
9. Garnish with banana chips (optional).    
10. Chill and cut into bars.

 

*Sir Sidney’s Science Tip:  One easy way to measure ½ cup of sticky peanut butter is to fill a one cup liquid measuring cup with ½ cup COLD water.  Add peanut butter (making sure that it is completely under the water) until the water level reaches the 1 cup mark.  Pour off the water, and you will be left with ½ cup peanut butter. In science, we call this water displacement. Next time you take a bath, see if you notice it happening in your tub.

Happy Cooking from Princess Rain and Sir Sidney Dragon