Ready to redefine your snacking routine? This Cereal Bars Recipe is your new kitchen ace, blending crispy rice cereal, hearty oats, gooey peanut butter, and just the right amount of sweetness for a snack no one can resist. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a lunchbox treat, or simply an excuse to sneak a little chocolate into your afternoon, these bars have it all—great texture, a wholesome vibe, and endless options for customization. Let’s get you hooked on your new homemade favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about easily accessible ingredients that work together beautifully. Every element brings something unique to the party—crisp, chewiness, creaminess, and sweet or salty notes. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some handy tips for the perfect Cereal Bars Recipe:

Crispy rice cereal (3 cups): The main crunch and lightness in the bars, making them airy and satisfying.
Old-fashioned oats (1 ½ cups): Adds hearty chew, nutty flavor, and extra nutrition to every bite.
Honey (½ cup): The sticky-sweet glue, holding everything together and giving natural sweetness.
Peanut butter or almond butter (½ cup): Brings richness, healthy fats, and that classic creamy texture.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Enhances depth of flavor and a touch of caramel undertone.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Balances and lifts the flavors with a lovely aroma.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): A little goes a long way to amplify both sweet and nutty flavors.
Mini chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For bursts of chocolatey goodness—mini size works best for even distribution.
Chopped nuts or dried fruit (¼ cup, optional): Adds texture and a nutritional boost—think almonds, walnuts, cranberries, or raisins.

How to Make Cereal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Mix Your Crispy Stuff

Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy lifting later. You’ll thank yourself for this trick! In a large mixing bowl, toss together the crispy rice cereal and oats until they’re mingling evenly—this gets all the crunch and heartiness ready for the gooey magic to come.

Step 2: Make the Sweet-and-Sticky Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Stir constantly so nothing burns, and keep going until it’s smooth, glossy, and just starting to bubble—this takes just two or three minutes but makes a world of difference. Pull it off the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt for a fragrant, balanced base.

Step 3: Mix Wet with Dry

Carefully pour the warm mixture over your cereal and oats. Using a spatula or big spoon, mix until everything is evenly coated and irresistibly sticky. This is where it all comes together—make sure you get to the bottom of the bowl so every bit is covered.

Step 4: Stir In (Optional) Goodies

Let the mixture cool just a little before adding your chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit if you want them. This prevents the chips from melting into the mix (unless you happen to like a little chocolate swirl!). Fold them in gently—no need to overwork it.

Step 5: Press and Chill

Transfer everything into your prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly—use a spatula or even the back of a measuring cup to do this easily. The firmer you pack the mixture, the neater your bars will slice. Pop the pan into the fridge for at least an hour so your Cereal Bars Recipe can set up and slice cleanly.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Once set, use the parchment to lift the slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares. They’re ready to grab and go, store, or devour right from the board!

How to Serve Cereal Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Give your cereal bars a bakery-worthy finish with a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of shredded coconut. Sprinkling extra mini chips or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after pressing adds a little flair and an extra pop of flavor. Visual appeal is half the fun when serving up your best Cereal Bars Recipe!

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a fresh fruit salad, a crisp apple, or a cold glass of milk for a simple snack. For breakfast, tuck one next to a creamy Greek yogurt or a smoothie to round things out and keep you satisfied all morning.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic, giftable treat. Layer different varieties—with or without chocolate, all-nut or all-fruit—on a platter for a colorful party snack spread. You can also cut the slab into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a playful lunchbox surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cereal Bars Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If your kitchen gets warm, just move them to the fridge—they stay tasty and satisfyingly chewy!

Freezing

Want to save some bars for later? Stack separated by parchment and freeze in a zip-top bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for the perfect grab-and-go snack whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

Reheating

While these bars are at their best chilled or at room temperature, if you’d like them softer, microwave an individual bar for just five to eight seconds. Just enough to make them tender and the chocolate a bit melty—yum!

FAQs

Can I make the Cereal Bars Recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the peanut or almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative. The bars will still hold together nicely and be perfectly delicious for those with nut allergies.

What if I don’t have honey? Can I use something else?

Sure—you can swap honey for maple syrup or even agave. This works great for making the bars vegan, too. The taste will be slightly different, but still just as sweet and sticky.

How do I keep the bars from crumbling?

Firmly pressing the mixture into the pan is key. Make sure your mixture is still a little warm and sticky when you press it in, and don’t be shy about packing it down. Chilling fully before cutting also helps ensure bars come out neat and sturdy.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for thicker bars, or divide between two square pans. It’s the best way to make sure no one misses out!

Are there fun mix-ins for the Cereal Bars Recipe?

Endless possibilities—think shredded coconut, chia seeds, mini marshmallows, or a mix of dried berries. Try a combination until you find your new signature version of this crave-worthy snack.

Final Thoughts

Homemade treats always have a special kind of magic, and this Cereal Bars Recipe is no exception. It’s quick, endlessly customizable, and downright scrumptious—truly a go-to for busy weeks or fun weekend projects. Give it a shot, and don’t be surprised if these bars become your new anytime, anywhere snack favorite!

Cereal Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 20 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 delightful combination of crispy rice cereal, hearty oats, sweet honey, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of chocolate chips for a satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups crispy rice cereal
1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup honey
½ cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

½ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped nuts or dried fruit

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Instructions

Prepare Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine cereal and oats in a bowl.
Prepare Wet Mixture: Heat honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt.
Combine Mixtures: Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and mix well. Add optional ingredients if desired.
Press into Pan: Press mixture into pan firmly.
Chill: Refrigerate until set, then cut into bars.
Storage: Store bars in an airtight container.

Notes

To make nut-free, use sunflower seed butter. For vegan, use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips. Add coconut, flaxseeds, or chia seeds for extra nutrition.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American