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!

nutty brown rice krispie treats

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! 🙂