Name: Cereal Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups crispy rice cereal; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

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If you’re on the hunt for a quick, no-bake snack that’s chewy, sweet, and just a touch salty, this Cereal Bars Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite! It’s the magic combination of crispy rice cereal, wholesome oats, and a rich peanut butter and honey blend, all pressed together into portable treats that kids and adults devour alike. You’ll love how easily these bars come together—no oven required, and (best of all) you can customize them to fit your cravings or whatever’s in the pantry. Let’s dig into the satisfying world of homemade cereal bars!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, and watch how they unite to make the most irresistible snack. Each item plays a unique role in flavor, binding, or crunch, ensuring that every bite of your cereal bars is both nourishing and irresistible.

3 cups crispy rice cereal: This is the heart of the bars—light and airy, it brings that signature crunch and keeps the texture pleasantly light.
1 cup rolled oats: Oats add heft and a lovely chew, helping the bars stay together while boosting nutrition.
1/2 cup peanut butter: Acts as a creamy binder and offers rich, nutty flavor—smooth or crunchy, your choice.
1/2 cup honey: Natural sweetness and stickiness hold all the ingredients together, with a floral note that sets the bars apart.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Caramel-like depth and extra sweetness—this makes the bars extra addictive.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and aroma that enhances every other flavor.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and heighten the peanut butter.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Stir in for melty chocolate pockets or sprinkle on top for extra pizzazz.

How to Make Cereal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges so you can lift out the finished bars with ease later. This little trick keeps the bars from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Melt the Honey and Brown Sugar

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey and brown sugar. Stir constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the mixture starts to bubble and the sugar dissolves. This bubbling is key—it helps everything stick together in your finished cereal bars recipe.

Step 3: Stir in Peanut Butter, Vanilla, and Salt

Remove the pan from the heat right away, and add in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is luscious, smooth, and silky, making sure everything is well blended. This is the magic glue for your bars!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the crispy rice cereal and rolled oats. Be gentle as you mix; you want to keep that signature snap and texture intact for your cereal bars recipe.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir quickly and thoroughly before the syrup cools so every oat and cereal piece is coated. The mixture will be sticky and a little warm—perfect for binding everything together.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes (so the chips don’t melt completely!), then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. Chocolate in every bite? Yes, please!

Step 7: Press into the Pan and Chill

Transfer the mixture to your lined pan, and use a spatula or greased fingers to press it down firmly and evenly into all corners. The firmer you press, the neater the finished bars will be. Pop the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so the bars set up beautifully.

Step 8: Lift, Slice, and Enjoy!

Once chilled, simply lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment paper handles. Slice into 12 bars (or however big you like ‘em), and admire your handiwork. Your cereal bars recipe is officially ready to share!

How to Serve Cereal Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Go ahead and sprinkle a little extra sea salt, a handful of mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top—just before chilling. These simple finishing touches add color, crunch, and a gourmet feel to your cereal bars recipe.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with fresh fruit or Greek yogurt for a satisfying breakfast, or enjoy them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for snack time. If you’re packing school or work lunches, tuck a bar in with some crunchy veggie sticks or apple slices.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual bars in parchment or wax paper and tie with colorful twine for an adorable lunchbox or picnic treat. Stack them pyramid-style on a platter for parties, or even break them into bite-sized squares for snack mix. The cereal bars recipe is endlessly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or pop them in the fridge for a week of grab-and-go snacks. They stay wonderfully chewy and flavorful, perfect for those midday cravings!

Freezing

For long-term storage, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap or parchment and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature, and your cereal bars recipe will taste just as fresh.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating necessary! If you prefer a softer bite, set them out for a few minutes before eating. Warm them briefly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) if you like the chocolate chips to get a little gooey.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter works just as well, and for a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter is a fantastic alternative. The bars will still hold together beautifully and taste delicious.

What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you’d prefer a vegan version, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may change slightly. Honey helps with binding, so be sure to chill the bars well before slicing.

Is it possible to make these cereal bars gluten-free?

Definitely—just make sure your oats and crispy rice cereal are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients in this cereal bars recipe are naturally gluten-free, so a quick label check is all you need!

How can I add more protein to these bars?

Stir in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder with the dry ingredients, or add finely chopped nuts and seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. The cereal bars recipe is easy to customize to your needs.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Sure thing! Simply double all the ingredients and press the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan instead. The bars will be just as tasty and hold together beautifully, making them ideal for parties or large gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Give this Cereal Bars Recipe a try and discover just how simple—and absolutely delicious—homemade snack bars can be. With a handful of pantry staples and endless room for creativity, these bars are bound to become a staple in your kitchen as they have in mine. Happy snacking!

Cereal Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These homemade Cereal Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack option that’s perfect for breakfast on the go or a quick energy boost during the day. Made with a blend of crispy rice cereal, oats, peanut butter, and honey, these bars are easy to make and customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup rolled oats

For the Peanut Butter Mixture:

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-In:

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine honey and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until bubbling, then remove from heat. Mix in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine crispy rice cereal and oats.
Combine and Cool: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and oats. Stir until coated. Fold in chocolate chips if desired. Let cool slightly.
Set the Bars: Press the mixture into the prepared pan. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.