Chewy No Bake Granola Bars

I’ve posted a recipe here at New Nostalgia for Homemade Granola bars that I like, but I’ve been wanting one that is less dense and more gooey and chewy.  I found what I was looking for thanks to Allison at AllinSon!
They are easy, they make a whole 9×13 pan full, and my kids love ’em!  They are on the sweet side, but that is what I was looking for, something that tasted sweet but with some fiber and wholesome goodness along with it.  These pass for dessert around our house, and that makes me very happy!

 Chewy No Bake Granola Bars

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (I used Sucanat)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2-1/2 cups oats or leftover granola
• 1/2 cup total of the following ingredients: wheat germ {about 1/4 cup}, ground flax seeds {about 2 tablespoons} and whole flax seeds {about 2 tablespoons}.  Or substitute with more oatmeal, rice cereal, or nuts. 
• 1/2 cup Craisins 
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds (I used sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (didn’t use, I was out)
• *I added 2 Tbls Chia seeds

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar with the honey and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, to the saucepan and fold the ingredients to evenly coat with the sauce. Transfer the granola mixture to a 9-by-13-inch ungreased baking pan and press firmly to evenly fill. Gently press the chocolate chips onto the top of the granola. Let the granola mixture set in the fridge until firm, about 15 minutes, then cut into 2-1/4-by 3-inch bars.
3. Store in the fridge.

These seem very flexible as far as ingredients go.  I want to add some cinnamon next time and maybe try a peanut butter version.  The recipe is GREAT just how it is, too!

Chia Seeds