Scrumptious Cereal Bars Recipe: Sweet Treats in a Snap!

Snacking just got a delightful upgrade with these mouthwatering cereal bars that blend sweet and crunchy textures into one incredible treat.

Every bite of the irresistible cereal bars recipe promises a burst of delectable flavors that dance across your taste buds.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a magical snack perfect for busy mornings or afternoon energy boosts.

Crisp cereals mix with sticky-sweet binding agents to form a delightful handheld delight.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these quick and easy bars that take minimal effort to prepare.

Packed with wholesome goodness and incredible taste, these bars offer a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.

Prepare to transform your snack game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 175 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need For Cereal Bars

• Nut Butter: Provides creamy, rich foundation that binds ingredients together and adds delightful nutty depth.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that creates sticky consistency and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic undertone that elevates the taste experience.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other ingredient flavors.

• Cereal: Delivers crunchy texture and serves as primary structural element for bars, choose crisp variety for optimal results.

• Dried Fruit, Seeds: Introduces additional nutritional value, texture contrast, and personalized flavor complexity, select fresh and high-quality options for best results.

Must-Have Tools For Cereal Bars

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Essential for shaping and setting the cereal bars.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for melting and mixing wet ingredients smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining cereal and nut butter mixture.
• Spatula or spoon: Helps press and spread the mixture evenly in the pan.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting the set cereal block into clean, precise bars.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Make Cereal Bars Step By Step

• Prep the Base

Grab a baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over so you can easily lift out your tasty creation later.

• Melt and Mix Wet Ingredients

Warm up your favorite nut butter with honey in a saucepan. Stir gently until everything blends into a smooth, silky mixture. Toss in a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

• Combine with Crunch

Pour the warm, gooey mixture over your cereal in a big bowl. Fold everything together until each piece is perfectly coated. Feel free to toss in some bonus treats like dried fruit or seeds.

• Pack and Smooth

Transfer the mix into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to press and smooth the surface, creating a compact layer of deliciousness.

• Chill and Set

Pop the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour. Let the bars firm up and get nice and solid.

• Slice and Enjoy

Pull out the bars using the parchment paper edges. Slice into fun-sized pieces. Munch right away or store in the fridge for a quick snack later.

Extra Tips And Twists For Cereal Bars

• Quick Chilling Hack: Freeze the bars for 30 minutes to speed up the setting process and create a firmer texture.
• Protein Power Boost: Swap regular cereal for high-protein varieties like granola or protein-enriched cereals to increase nutritional value.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free cereals and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Sweet Flavor Twist: Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter to create unique flavor profiles and added nutritional benefits.
• No-Bake Dessert Hack: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars after chilling for an indulgent and elegant finish that elevates the simple recipe.

Serving Up Cereal Bars In Fun Ways

• Sweet Morning Boost: Pack these cereal bars in your breakfast bag for a quick, energizing start to your day at work or school.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Wrap individual bars in wax paper for a portable, mess-free treat during outdoor adventures or road trips.
• Afternoon Energy Kick: Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for a delightful mid-afternoon pick-me-up that keeps hunger at bay.
• Kid-Friendly Lunchbox Star: Slip a bar into children's lunch boxes as a nutritious, homemade alternative to store-bought snacks they'll love.

Keeping And Planning Around Cereal Bars

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store bars in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their fresh texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for grab-and-go snacks.
• Moisture Management: Keep bars away from humid areas to prevent softening. A cool, dry spot in the refrigerator works best for maintaining their crisp consistency.
• Temperature Tip: Let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating to soften slightly and enhance their natural flavors.

Irresistible Cereal Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade cereal bars blend wholesome oats, honey, and nuts into a delightful snack perfect for morning energy or afternoon cravings. Packed with nutrition and simple ingredients, these bars offer a quick and satisfying treat for busy individuals seeking a convenient breakfast or snack option.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (75 g) cereal (Cheerios, puffed rice, or granola)
• ½ cup (120 g) nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
• ½ cup (120 ml) honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup (40 g) mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup (30 g) dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
• 2 tbsps (20 g) chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Workspace Prep: Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, extending edges for simple removal.
2. Binding Liquid Creation: Melt nut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan, stirring until fully liquid and smooth.
3. Cereal Coating: Combine warm liquid mixture with cereal in a large mixing bowl, ensuring complete and even coverage; optionally incorporate dried fruits, seeds, or nuts for enhanced texture.
4. Pan Compression: Transfer coated cereal mixture into prepared pan, firmly pressing and smoothing to create an uniform layer using a spatula or hands.
5. Chilling Process: Refrigerate for 60-75 minutes, allowing bars to solidify and develop a structured consistency.
6. Portioning: Remove chilled block using parchment paper overhang, then slice into consistent rectangular or square servings on a cutting surface.
7. Storage and Serving: Enjoy immediately or preserve in a sealed container within the refrigerator, maintaining optimal freshness for up to one week.

Notes

• Manage Sticky Mixture: Lightly coat your hands or spatula with cooking spray to prevent the binding liquid from sticking and make mixing easier.
• Control Binding Consistency: Maintain low-medium heat when melting ingredients to avoid burning or separating the nut butter and honey mixture, which could impact texture and taste.
• Customize Nutritional Profile: Experiment with different cereal types like gluten-free, high-protein, or low-sugar options to accommodate dietary restrictions and personal health goals.
• Optimize Storage Technique: Separate individual bars with parchment paper when storing to prevent them from sticking together and preserve their crisp texture in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg