I love making homemade granola and granola bars. In fact, that might be the next recipe I post. but today, I wanted something a little sweeter and decadent than my standard healthy granola bar recipe produces.

I was also in the mood for something with a little more crunch. For me, texture plays a huge part food. Sometimes i just want to eat something soft, like a big chewy cookie made even softer with oatmeal baked in. Other times, only something with a bite will do, and a nut-infused candy bar is the only thing that will satisfy me.

Today, the mood was crispy. I was specifically craving one of those crispy-style granola bars that Kid’s Cliff Bars makes, but i also felt like cooking, so i decided to make my own.

This recipe, like all recipes really, is just a guideline. Use whatever you have around the house – toss in your choice of nuts and toppings. Whatever you end up with, it’ll likely taste delicious!

another bonus – not that i am – but this recipe is gluten free for those who must be conscious of it!

For the bars:

• 4 cups brown rice krispies (regular will also work)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey (or agave)
• 1 cup peanut or almond butter
• 3/4 cup nuts (i used almond and cashew today)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (or butterscotch or white chocolate chips)
• 1 cup chocolate chips, melted (for optional drizzle on top)

Directions:

• Melt butter in the microwave (about 30 seconds). Add brown sugar and mix.
• Add honey to brown sugar/butter. Mix again.
• Add peanut butter. To make stirring easier, it may help to microwave for about 20 seconds before mixing.
• Fold in cereal. Mix with a spatula or large spoon until evenly coated. If they aren’t “sticky” enough at this point, add more honey until they are sticky!
• Add nuts & chocolate chips.
• Pour into a 9×13 pan that has been buttered or sprayed with cooking spray.
• Melt remaining chocolate chips in the microwave, and drizzle on top of bars.
• Place in the fridge to let them firm up.
• Cut, eat, enjoy! 🙂