Looking for a snack that’s quick, simple, and delicious? Homemade cereal bars are the answer. These no-bake treats are the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and sweet, and they come together in a snap. Whether you’re making them for an easy breakfast on the go or as a wholesome snack, you’ll be amazed at how delightful and satisfying they are.
Homemade Cereal Bars Ingredients
- Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): Peanut butter not only adds a rich, nutty flavor to the bars but also acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together.
- Honey (½ cup): Honey provides natural sweetness and stickiness, which is crucial for keeping the bars together. It also offers a subtle floral flavor that complements the nuttiness of the peanut butter.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the bars, making them taste more well-rounded and enjoyable.
- Mini Chocolate Morsels (1/2 cup): These tiny morsels add a delightful pop of chocolatey goodness to the bars. They not only provide a sweet contrast but also create a pleasing texture variation with their soft and melty centers.
- Ground Flax Seeds (1/4 cup): Flax seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, offering omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a delightful, nutty flavor. They provide an extra nutritional punch to the bars.
- Oats (1/4 cup): Oats are a source of fiber and also contribute to the bars’ chewy texture. They add a comforting, hearty element to the overall taste.
- Rice Krispy Cereal (3 ½ cups): Rice krispy cereal is the primary ingredient that delivers the classic crunch to these bars. Its light and crispy texture complements the chewy components.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Homemade cereal bars are a hit for so many reasons. They’re quick and easy to make, requiring no baking, which means you can have them ready in minutes. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, making them a versatile treat everyone can enjoy.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This overhang will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each one, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice krispy cereal, mini chocolate morsels, ground flax seeds, and oats. Mix them together, ensuring an even distribution of all the ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated with the peanut butter and honey mixture. You might need to use a bit of elbow grease to ensure everything is well combined.
- Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a piece of parchment paper or a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly.
- Cool and Set: Let the cereal bars sit at room temperature for about an hour or pop them in the refrigerator for quicker results. Once they’ve cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift them from the pan.
- Slice and Serve: Place the bars on a cutting board and cut them into your desired size and shape. Enjoy your homemade cereal bars!
Expert Tips:
- Get creative with mix-ins! Try adding dried fruits, nuts, or even a sprinkle of your favorite spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- To avoid a sticky situation when pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly grease your spatula or the parchment paper with a little cooking spray.
FAQs:
Q1: How should I store homemade cereal bars?
A1: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. These bars also freeze well for future snacking.
Q2: Can I make these cereal bars with a different type of cereal?
A2: Yes, you can experiment with different cereals, like cornflakes or crushed graham crackers, for a unique twist.
These homemade cereal bars are a delightful combination of sweet, chewy, and crunchy. Perfect for breakfast on the go, a quick snack, or even a lunchbox treat, they’re a versatile and delicious option for satisfying your munchies.
More Recipes You Will Love
- Homemade Butterfingers
- Homemade Crunch Bars
- S’mores Chocolate Bites
- Protein Ice Cream Caramel Bites
- Healthy Chocolate Candy Bars (Vegan & GF)
If you make these Protein Ice Cream Caramel Bites , I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Snacks Recipes page.
Homemade Cereal Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate morsels
- 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/4 cup oats
- 3 1/2 cup cups rice krispy cereal
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This overhang will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each one, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice krispy cereal, mini chocolate morsels, ground flax seeds, and oats. Mix them together, ensuring an even distribution of all the ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated with the peanut butter and honey mixture. You might need to use a bit of elbow grease to ensure everything is well combined.
- Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a piece of parchment paper or a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly.
- Cool and Set: Let the cereal bars sit at room temperature for about an hour or pop them in the refrigerator for quicker results. Once they've cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift them from the pan.
