Microwave Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
I remember the day I first made these Microwave Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. I was in the middle of a hectic week, with little time to spare, but still wanted to make a healthy snack for my family. The idea of using the microwave to make granola bars felt like a genius hack. I gathered my ingredients—quick oats, crispy rice cereal, mini chocolate chips—and within minutes, I had the perfect mixture ready to go. These bars are so quick to make that I’ve kept this recipe in my back pocket for those times when I need something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
A Quick and Easy Treat
What makes these Microwave Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars so special is their simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and a microwave, you can create a treat that’s both satisfying and wholesome. The combination of coconut oil, light-brown sugar, and honey creates a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the crunch of the oats and cereal. As I pressed the mixture into the pan, I couldn’t resist sprinkling extra chocolate chips on top—they melt just a little, adding even more gooey goodness to each bite.
Family Favorite Snack
These Microwave Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars quickly became a favorite in our household. My kids love grabbing one on their way out the door for a quick breakfast, and I enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up. Knowing that they’re homemade, with no preservatives, makes me feel good about serving them. Plus, they’re so versatile—sometimes I mix in dried fruits or nuts for extra flavor and texture. It’s fun to experiment with different add-ins, but no matter what, those chocolate chips always steal the show.
Perfect for Busy Days
Whenever I’m in a rush but still want to provide a nutritious snack, I turn to these Microwave Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. They’re a lifesaver for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or even a late-night treat. The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to store—just keep them in an airtight container, and they’re good to go. Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who appreciates a quick, delicious snack, these granola bars are a must-try.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Microwave Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
- Firm Pressing is Key: Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and preventing them from crumbling.
- Microwave Time Adjustments: If the bars seem too soft or fall apart, consider microwaving the mixture for an additional 15-30 seconds. The heat helps the sugar and honey to bind the ingredients better.
- Customizing Texture: For a softer, chewier texture, reduce the amount of crispy rice cereal slightly and increase the oats. If you prefer a crunchier bar, do the opposite.
- Adding Extras: Mix in your favorite dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries) or nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to press them into the mixture well.
- Chocolate Chips Tip: To prevent the chocolate chips from melting too much, you can wait a minute or two after pressing the mixture into the pan before adding them. This will allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Even Slicing: For clean, even bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts. You can also score the bars before chilling to make cutting easier after they’ve set.
Microwave Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
9
bars10
minutes3
minutes219
kcal10
minutes23
minutesGet ready to indulge in the easiest, most delightful granola bars you’ll ever make! These chewy chocolate chip granola bars are a hit with all ages, made with wholesome oats and crispy rice cereal, all coated in a sweet, chewy mixture. No artificial flavors or preservatives here—just pure, delicious snacking bliss. Perfect for a quick treat or an on-the-go snack!
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients
1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter (both work well)
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Dry Ingredients
2 cups quick oats
1 1/4 cups crispy rice cereal
3 Tbsp mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Alternative Ingredients:
Coconut oil can be replaced with unsalted butter.
Light-brown sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar.
Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Quick oats can be substituted with rolled oats.
Rice Krispies cereal can be replaced with any puffed rice cereal.
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips can be replaced with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
Directions
- Microwave Mixture – Combine the coconut oil or unsalted butter, light-brown sugar, and honey in a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl. Heat on HIGH for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir until the butter is melted (if using butter). Return to the microwave and heat on HIGH for an additional 1 minute if using coconut oil or 1 1/2 minutes if using butter.
- Blend and Mix – Carefully remove from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the quick oats and mix until evenly coated. Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until well combined. Firmly press the mixture into one side of a buttered baking sheet using buttered hands. Aim for about a 5-inch width.
- Press into Pan – Firmly press the mixture into one side of a buttered baking sheet using buttered hands. Aim for about a 5-inch width. Sprinkle the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips on top and press them into the mixture.
- Store – Transfer to the freezer and chill for 10 minutes. Remove and cut into 9 bars. Store in an airtight container.
Equipment
- microwave
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 219kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
- Sodium: 57mg
- Potassium: 113mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 19g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 259IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 19mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQs- Microwave Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Can I use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can substitute rolled oats for quick oats. However, the bars may have a slightly different texture and might not hold together as well. Consider pulsing the rolled oats in a food processor for a few seconds to break them down slightly.
What can I use instead of honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture, as these substitutes are less viscous than honey.
How do I store these granola bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I make these granola bars without a microwave?
Yes, you can make them on the stovetop. Melt the coconut oil (or butter), sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbling. Then, proceed with the recipe as directed.
Why are my granola bars too hard?
If your granola bars turn out too hard, it could be due to overcooking the sugar mixture. Be careful not to microwave it for too long, as this can cause the sugar to harden when it cools.
