A delicious, no-bake homemade granola bar recipe! Granola bars just got better with Monster Trail Mix!
I’ve always loved trail mix. It’s kind of like the perfect snack right? Of course, my trail mix usually has chocolate chips and M&Ms because finding those little morsels in my trail mix makes my extremely happy. With our family as busy as it is right now I am constantly packing up snacks to go. I swear, my boys eat every thirty minutes. The other day, I loaded up Bryce in the car to go to Target and as soon as I got the car started he asked, “What snacks did you bring for me?“
Seriously? For the five minute drive to Target this kid now expects a snack?
Reece told me the other day it would be nice if our car had a fridge. I told him that’s what ice chests were for 🙂 Ha!
Since I don’t want every single snack to be pre-packaged, I’ve been making a lot of my own lately. One of our very favorites is these Monster Trail Mix Granola Bars. They take all of ten minutes to whip together and no baking required – easy!
I always have a huge container of Monster Trail Mix on hand and it’s so easy to incorporate it into this yummy granola bar recipe. To make sure Reece and Bryce are super psyched to eat these granola bars, I pick out some of the M&Ms from the trail mix (not all!) and throw those on top along with some extra chocolate chips.
I mean who can resist a granola bar that is studded with sweet M&Ms and chocolate chips? This absolutely ensures that the granola bars are considered a “treat” and that they get gobbled up quickly 🙂 The trail mix I use (Archer Farms from Target) has peanuts, raisins, chocolate and peanut butter chips, and M&Ms. You could easily use a combination of these ingredients to customize your own bars.
I get 12 nice-sized bars from this recipe. After chilling for 2 hours, simply cut the entire slab in half and then cut each half into six bars. See all those little extra crumbs? Those are mine!
Monster Trail Mix Granola Bars (10-minute, no-bake)
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup peanut butter creamy
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1/2 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup Monster trail mix
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, peanut butter, honey and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
- Bring sugar mixture just to a boil and then continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes stirring constantly, or until sugar dissolves.
- Stir in oats and crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
- Let mixture cool for 5 minutes.
- (Optional) Meanwhile, pick out a handful of M&Ms from the trail mix and set aside.
- Place parchment paper in an 8x8 inch baking dish. Make sure the paper hangs over on either side so you can pull out the granola bars and cut them up with ease.
- Once mixture has cooled slightly, fold in trail mix and press into the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle M&Ms and chocolate chips over the top of the bars and use the bottom of a bowl or cup to press them into the bars. You don't want them to fall out when cutting!
- Place dish into refrigerator and let bars set up for 1-2 hours.
- Cut into bars and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
These granola bars are perfect for satisfying hungry tummies while on the run. Whether it’s a quick snack before swim or soccer practice or a sweet treat in his lunch, I love knowing Reece will polish this snack off without complaint 🙂
More snacks my boys love:
Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Two Green Smoothies Your Kids Will Love!
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For all dessert recipes, go HERE.
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Have a great day!
Natasha says
How do you store these and how long are they good for?
Darcie says
Where do I buy monster trails mix? I can’t wait to make these!!!
Becky says
Hi,
Do You Happen ToHave The Nutrition Info On These Bars? They Look Delicious! Thanks!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I don’t Becky but there are lots of sites where you can plug the ingredients into and find out. Enjoy!
Felicia says
These look divine! I wish “no bake” didn’t mean there’s peanut butter! Seems every no bake recipe has peante butter and we have a peanut allergy! Boo! Anyone know how to convert it to a bake-able?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Felicia you might try substituting in butter for the peanut butter – that usually works with “baked” goods. Sorry!
Heather Elissa says
Almond butter works here is the recipe I use http://detoxinista.com/2012/09/how-to-make-homemade-almond-butter/ nutella also works and is incredible
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s awesome! Thanks Heather!
Denise says
Not sure how I stumbled on this recipe, but I made it yesterday. Super quick and easy and my kids DEVOURED them! Definitely a saver!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes! So glad to hear that Denise and super glad you found my site 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie {Reasons To Skip The Housework} says
No bake? Love that! Found this recipe on Pinterest! We’d love for you to come over to our newest link party over at The Inspiration Network: DELISH- a desserts only link party. Bring your desserts and let’s party!!
http://theinspiration-network.com/delish-dessert-link-party-no-1/
Smiles,
Melanie and Diana
The Inspiration Network
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Melanie!
Genevieve says
I’m making these for our camping trip this weekend! How long do you think they’ll save? I’m wanting to make them a few days or so in advance. Thanks!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
They’ll stay good at least for a week Genevieve! Have fun!
Alyssa Rivers says
I love that these are fast and easy and make a great snack!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Alyssa!
Andie says
i just made these, and they are so hard my family cant even eat them, maybe there is a liquid missing? i cant even cut them and i followed your directions exactly
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
They shouldn’t be hard at all Andie. They are very soft. I’m not sure what could have happened because there really aren’t any “hard” ingredients with the exception of the chocolate chips. I would definitely try again 🙂