Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Granola Bars

By srumbel

These easy to make granola bars have a delicious caramel and hot chocolate twist to them. The extra chocolate drizzle, sea salt, and mini marshmallows give them that fun hot chocolate look.
from insidebrucrewlife.com

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups quick oats
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup powdered hot chocolate mix
• 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel baking bits
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon shortening, divided
• 1/4 cup miniature marshmallow bits
• coarse ground sea salt

Preparation

Step 1

Beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt and beat again.
Stir together the oats, flour, hot chocolate mix, and cocoa powder. Slowly add to the butter mixture until everything is mixed together. Stir in the mini chocolate chips and caramel bits.
Spread the batter in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes. Cool.
Cut into 16 bars and place on a parchment paper lined tray. Place the chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute. Stir until melted. Drizzle over the bars. Repeat with the white chocolate and remaining shortening. Sprinkle the tops of the bars with sea salt and mini marshmallows. Let set. Store in a sealed container
Yield: 16 bars