Easy Granola Snack Bars are a healthier take on rice krispie treats—simple, portable, and kid-approved. Prepare a batch in minutes for snacks, lunchboxes, or an on-the-go treat the whole family will enjoy.
Easy Granola Snack Bars
My kids love cereal, but they love snacking even more. These granola snack bars combine the satisfying crunch of granola with the gooey, nostalgic comfort of marshmallow bars, making them a hit at home and easy to take along for errands or school. Using ready-made granola saves time and reduces kitchen mess—especially important when four elementary-aged boys are involved!
This recipe is straightforward: melted marshmallows and butter bind a generous amount of granola. The result is a chewy, crunchy bar that travels well and fits easily into lunchboxes or snack bags. Because it’s so simple, you can customize the bars with add-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of seeds if you like.
A couple of tips make the process easier: warm the marshmallows slowly in short bursts and stir well to avoid scorching. Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold together when cut. I like to line the pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy removal. After pressing the mixture into the pan, chilling briefly in the freezer helps the bars firm up and makes slicing neater.
These bars are especially handy for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or packing for outings. They offer a satisfying mix of textures and can be made with most types of granola you have on hand. If you prefer fewer added sugars, look for a low-sugar granola blend or reduce the number of marshmallows slightly and add a spoonful of natural nut butter to help bind. For a chocolate twist, stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips after removing the mixture from heat so the chips don’t fully melt.
How do your kids like their snacks? Have you made homemade versions of packaged favorites? These granola bars are easy to adapt—swap cereals, add nuts or seeds for extra crunch, or try flavored marshmallows for a subtle twist. They’re a quick win when you want something homemade without a long ingredient list.
Easy Granola Snack Bars
These tasty snack bars are like rice krispie treats reimagined with granola—chewy, crunchy, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
20 minutes
2 minutes
22 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 (28 oz) box Quaker Simply Granola (or any granola you prefer)
Instructions
- Melt the marshmallows and butter in a large heatproof bowl. Heat in the microwave in 15–20 second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each burst until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Quickly stir in the granola until it is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. Work fast—the mixture sets as it cools. Transfer the mixture to a 10×13-inch pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan; compacting it well helps the bars hold together when cut. For cleaner slices, chill the pan in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to firm before cutting into individual bars.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 482
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 9mg
Sodium: 64mg
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 27g
Protein: 11g
Nutrition data is an estimate. If you need precise nutrition information for medical reasons, consult a trusted source.
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