Craving a sweet, crunchy snack? Homemade Kudos Bars are the perfect solution! These bars combine the chewy goodness of granola with a chocolatey coating and a variety of mix-ins that can be customized to your liking. Here’s how you can make these delicious treats at home.
Ingredients
For the Granola Base
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Mix-ins (Optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or cherries)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Granola Base
- Toast the Oats: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the rolled oats evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. This will enhance their flavor. Once toasted, let them cool.
- Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture starts to bubble. Let it boil for about 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, rice cereal, and any mix-ins you choose (chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, etc.).
- Mix: Pour the hot syrup over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Form the Bars
- Press into Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the granola mixture into the pan and press it firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Ensure it is tightly packed to help the bars hold together.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the granola is set and firm.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Coating
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Bars: Remove the granola from the refrigerator and cut it into bars of your desired size. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate to coat evenly. Alternatively, you can drizzle the chocolate over the bars for a lighter coating.
- Set the Chocolate: Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Return them to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Once the chocolate has hardened, your homemade Kudos Bars are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
Tips for Customization
- Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, skip the nuts and add more dried fruit or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Extra Crunch: For added crunch, mix in some pretzel pieces or puffed quinoa.
- Different Flavors: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or flavored chips like butterscotch.
Homemade Kudos Bars are a versatile and tasty treat that you can tailor to suit your preferences. They’re perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or even as a homemade gift. Enjoy the process of making and, most importantly, eating these delightful bars!