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Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

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These chewy chocolate chip granola bars are an easy homemade lunchbox snack with a perfect balance of wholesome oats and melty chocolate chips, offering a satisfying treat that holds up well throughout the day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (180 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup (65 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup (135 grams) mini chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
  • 1 lightly beaten egg (room temperature, optional; use flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Stir well to distribute evenly.
  3. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly.
  4. Add the melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and beaten egg (or flax egg) to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed.
  5. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts gently to distribute evenly.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly using a spatula or slightly damp hands.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set but still soft to the touch. Avoid overbaking to keep bars chewy.
  8. Cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes to allow bars to firm up.
  9. Slice into bars using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
  10. Enjoy at room temperature or warmed briefly in the microwave for melty chocolate.

Notes

Do not skip the cooling step to avoid crumbly bars. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best chewy texture. Press mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Watch oven closely starting at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking. Mini chocolate chips melt better and distribute evenly. For vegan version, use coconut oil and flax egg. Bars store well at room temperature for 5 days, refrigerate up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, chocolate chip, chewy granola bars, homemade snack, lunchbox snack, easy granola bars, healthy snack

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/chewy-chocolate-chip-granola-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-lunchbox-snack/