Description
These homemade cereal bars are a perfect no-bake snack combining crispy rice cereal, oats, and a luscious blend of honey and peanut butter. With optional additions like mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, they’re easy to customize and perfect for on-the-go energy boosts or a quick treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal or mixed whole-grain cereal
- 1 cup rolled oats
Binding Mixture
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring there is extra paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the bars once set.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal and rolled oats evenly. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the binding syrup.
- Heat Binding Mixture: Place honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter (or almond butter) in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor.
- Combine and Add Extras: Pour the warm peanut butter syrup over the cereal and oats, stirring thoroughly until everything is coated evenly. If you like, gently fold in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit at this stage.
- Press Mixture Into Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press firmly and evenly across the entire surface, ensuring the bars hold together well.
- Chill Until Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up. Once solid, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper edges, then cut it into 12 equal-sized bars for serving.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter or almond butter for a healthier option without added sugars.
- Press the mixture firmly into the dish to help the bars hold their shape better.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts or seeds to customize texture and flavor.
- If you prefer vegan, ensure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
