Chewy Granola Bars

4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter or coconut oil
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar or brown rice syrup
1/4 cup honey
2 cups plain granola
1 cup rice cereal (Rice Krispies, etc.)
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter chips

Line two 9×5 loaf pans or one 11×7 inch baking pan (see tip #4 above if you want to use 9×13) with foil or parchment. Lightly butter or spray the foil.

Combine butter, honey and brown sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Add the granola and rice cereal into the saucepan and fold them into the sauce until evenly coated. Spread the mixture into the prepared pans and press firmly with a spatula to evenly fill. Sprinkle the chocolate and peanut butter chips onto the top of the granola and gently press them down with the spatula.

Let sit for 15-20 minutes or until mostly cooled and set*; lift out of the pan and cut into bars.

Serving Size: makes 18 bars

Number of Servings: 18

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user CHRISTINE798.