I used to enjoy a Kudos granola bar EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Then one day they disappeared off the grocery store shelves. Years later, a nastolic craving kicked in for the granola/rice krispie/candy bar combo that is a Kudos granola bar! I present to you a great copycat recipe of the classic mini M&M Kudos granola bar you (may just barely) remember and love!
What Happened To Kudos Granola Bars
Were you just as OBSESSED with Kudos granola bars as I was? They are basically a candy bar in the form of a granola bar. When looking into the history of the Kudos bar I found my knowledge of the treat is a bit skewed. What I thought was that there were only flavor varieties: Dove chocolate, mini M&M, and Snickers! My favorite was always the mini M&M flavor.
Apparently, there were seven flavors at one point! The bar first came out in 1980’s and lasted until 2017 (though, they were a bit difficult to find near the end). I found a great description of the lifespan of the Kudos bar. If you want to learn more, pop on over to Vintage Americana.
Basically, there was no straightforward answer for their disappearance. If I had to guess it was due to the nutrition (or lack thereof) for a bar marketed towards children. Maybe they would have done better as a “healthier” candy bar? Who knows!
Vintage Americana say that there was a filing for a new brand registration in 2020, so let’s see if these delicious make it back to shelves!
What a Kudos granola Bar Tastes Like
Kudos granola bars taste like a heartier, sweeter, rice krispie treat. I mean when it’s covered in chocolate and candy it would be difficult for it to not be sweeter!
These bars have a base of oats, rice krispies, and brown sugar. This makes them taste, like I said above, like a heartier rice krispie treat-LOL
Simple Kudos Granola Bar Ingredients
You might be surprised at how many Kudos granola bar ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
- Oats
- Rice Krispies
- Brown Sugar
- Peanut Butter
- Chocolate Chips
- Mini M&M’s
- Maybe a little coconut oil
How To Store Kudos Granola Bars
Since these bars have no additives to keep them fresh longer, as store-bought Kudos bars would have had, they should be stored in the refrigerator. This will keep them better longer than if you store them on the kitchen counter.
The chocolate may slightly change color after a day. This is totally fine and safe! It is called the bloom. This is normal for chocolate and relates to the quality of your chocolate. Overall, no fear. Continue to enjoy your Kudos granola bars!
Craving More?
If you try this recipe I would appreciate it if you give it a 5-star rating and leave a review! It truly helps me share my recipes with others. Also, I would love to see how it turns out. Tag me in a photo on Instagram!
Can I entice you further? Try out these recipes too!
- The Easiest Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Balls
- Cherry Energy Bar
- Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Strawberry Lemonade Protein Balls
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Homemade Kudos Granola Bar Recipe
Ingredients
Kudos Bar Base
- 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter I used Honey Jif
- 2/3 Cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 Teaspoon Coconut Oil Optional
- 1 Cup Quick Oatmeal Quick Oats
- 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar Packed
- 3 Cups Rice Krispie Cereal
- 1/3 Cup Mini M&M's
- 1/4 Cup Chocolate Chips
Kudos Bar Topping
- 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 Teaspoon Coconut Oil Optional
Instructions
- Grab a 9x9 baking dish and generously spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a large microwave safe bowl combine peanut butter and (2/3 cup) chocolate chips. Microwave. If the two do not melt together nicely, add the coconut oil.
- In the bowl add oatmeal, brown sugar, Rice Krispie cereal, mini M&M's, and chocolate chips. Stir to evenly combine.
- Press mixture into 9x9 pan. Place in freezer for at least 2 hours, until hard.
- Once set, remove from freezer. Flip upside down on a clean surface.
- Add chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Melt in microwave. If they do not melt nicely, add coconut oil.
- Use a spoon to drizzle melted chocolate over hard Kudos bar base. Immediately top with a generous helping of additional mini M&M's and chocolate chips. Allow to re-harden in freezer.
- Once set, use a sharp knife to cut into bar-sized pieces. There may be some small bits that break off. Don't worry! They still taste just as delicious! Enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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