The BEST No Bake Granola Bars

I have become like a crazy person trying my best to make everything homemade.  ESPECIALLY after watching Food, Inc.  Oh my goodness!  I will never look at McDonald’s or the grocery store the same way again.  Ugh!  What a messed up food system we have.  Bottom line…if you want what is best for your family buy locally, know what you buy, and what you put in your mouth. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t pronounce it you shouldn’t eat it. Period.

With a whole new mindset of what we eat, I am always on the hunt for a healthy, nutritious, homemade alternatives.  Today, I am sharing with you a No Bake Granola Bar that that guarantees you will know what you are putting in your mouth PLUS it is so inexpensive to make. 

This recipe I found on Pintrest from Lauren’s Latest and it is by far the best recipe for Granola Bars I have found.  Why go through all the trouble of baking when in less then 10 minute you can have chewy, semi-healthy granola bars.  In Lauren’s Latest recipe she made enough for a half of a cookie sheet.  In my recipe I am doubling it because it is that good!!

No Bake Granola Bars (adapted from Lauren’s Latest Recipe)

Ingredients:
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup honey
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
4 cups quick cooking oats {not rolled oats!}
2 cup crispy rice cereal (Rice Crispy Cereal)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips  ( I had regular size and chopped with into smaller pieces)

In a small sauce pot bring butter, honey and brown sugar to a boil.  Make sure all of the brown sugar is dissolved.  Then off the heat pour in the vanilla.  In another bowl, mix together the oats and crispy rice cereal.  Pour the melted butter, honey and brown sugar over the dry ingredients.  Mix well.  Pour onto a jelly roll cookie sheet.  Press the oats so that everything sticks. Then press mini chocolate chips onto the top.  Let cool. Cut and enjoy!! 

**In one batch I added 1/4 c. of coconut flakes and 1/4c. of sunflower seeds and my husband was in heaven!!  Add anything that fits your fancy!

I made this for my son’s soccer team snacks and most of the kids came running around for seconds!!  I just wrapped with bars in wax paper and presto I had non-processed yummy treat for the kids!!

If you like this, go on ahead and pin this!  PLUS, be sure you try it.  You will be glad you did!