Copycat Kudos Granola Bar Recipe

These Copycat Kudos Granola Bars are a throwback to the 90s snack we all loved growing up. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re chewy, chocolate-covered, and packed with flavor—just like the originals. Whether you’re after a lunchbox favorite or an energy-packed post-sports snack, this recipe delivers Copycat kudos granola bars just right.

The Story Behind These Chocolate Covered Granola Bars

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you probably remember Kudos granola bars as a lunchbox staple. They were crunchy, sweet, and coated in just enough chocolate to feel like a treat. I wanted to recreate that nostalgic taste with a homemade twist. Plus, these can easily be made as gluten free granola bars or dairy free granola bars, and I added a little protein boost to make them more functional for today's snacking needs. These Copycat kudos granola bars are the perfect solution.

If you like this Copycat Granola Bar Recipe, you may also want to check out this Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nugget Recipe or this Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients for Homemade Kudos Granola Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these chewy, chocolate covered granola bars:

• Rice Krispies cereal
• Quick rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Honey
• Light corn syrup
• Dark melting chocolate
• Mini M&Ms
• Coconut oil
• Protein powder (optional)

These pantry staples come together to create a delicious treat that satisfies every time. Your own batch of Copycat kudos granola bars awaits.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Copycat Kudos Bars: 4 Easy Steps

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Granola Bars

1. Step 1: Mix the base: Combine Rice Krispies, oats, and optional protein powder.

2. Step 2: Make the binder: Melt butter, honey, corn syrup, and brown sugar together, then mix with the dry ingredients.

3. Step 3: Shape and chill: Press into a silicone container or lined dish and refrigerate until set.

4. Step 4: Dip, decorate, and drizzle: Dip in melted chocolate, top with M&Ms, and drizzle with more chocolate.

Hint: Always place dipped bars on parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Avoid foil or wax paper—they tend to cling to the chocolate.

Substitutions to Fit Your Diet

These bars are super adaptable

• These bars are super adaptable:
• Gluten free granola bars: Use certified gluten-free oats and Rice Krispies.
• Dairy free granola bars: Choose dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter.
• Swap corn syrup for maple syrup or agave.
• Replace butter with coconut oil.

Variations for Your Chocolate Covered Granola Bars

Looking to switch it up? Try these flavor twists for your Copycat kudos granola bars:

• Use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark.
• Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
• Swap mini M&Ms for sprinkles or crushed pretzels.
• Add a layer of peanut butter under the chocolate for a richer taste.

Equipment You’ll Need for Kudos Bars Recipes

Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out.

• Large mixing bowl
• Sauce pan
• Silicone mold or parchment-lined pan
• Measuring cup (for pressing)
• Small dish (for melting chocolate)
• Parchment paper or silicone mat

Storage Tips for Kudos Granola Bars

Store your homemade Kudos granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Layer parchment between bars if stacking these Copycat kudos granola bars.

FAQs About Homemade Kudos Bars

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Copycat Kudos Granola Bars

A nostalgic, chocolate-covered treat made right at home—these Copycat Kudos Bars are chewy, sweet, and fun to decorate.

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword Chocolate Covered Granola Bars, copycat recipes, Gluten Free Granola Bars, Gluten-free option, granola bars, Homemade granola bars, Kudos Granola Bars, No-bake, No-bake granola bars, protein bars

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Chill Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes

Servings 15 bars

Calories 250kcal

Cost $7

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• Sauce Pan
• Measuring cups
• Silicone mold or parchment-lined dish
• Small microwave-safe bowl
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 2 cups quick rolled oats
• 2-3 scoops protein powder optional
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup dark melting chocolate ¾ cup for dipping, remainder for drizzle
• 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
• ¼ cup mini M&Ms

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Krispies, quick oats, and protein powder (if using). Set aside.

Melt the Wet Mixture:

• In a saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until fully melted and combined, about 3–4 minutes.

Combine and Mold:

• Pour the warm syrup over the dry ingredients. Mix well until evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into a silicone container or parchment-lined rectangular dish using a measuring cup or spatula to compact it tightly.

Chill and Cut:

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Once set, remove and cut into granola bar-sized rectangles.

Dip and Decorate:

• Melt ¾ cup of chocolate with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe dish. Dip the bottom of each bar in chocolate and place onto parchment or silicone mat. Sprinkle with mini M&Ms.

Drizzle the Chocolate:

• Melt remaining chocolate with a bit more coconut oil. Add to a small zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle over the bars. This also helps secure the M&Ms.

Let Set and Store:

• Allow chocolate to fully set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.