Description
These homemade cereal bars are a healthy and delicious snack option, combining crispy rice cereal, rolled oats, and a sweet peanut butter-honey binder. Easy to make and customizable with chocolate chips or dried fruit, they are perfect for a quick energy boost or a kid-friendly treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal or mixed whole-grain cereal
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the crispy rice cereal and rolled oats. Set this mixture aside for now.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: Place a small saucepan over low heat and add the honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry cereal and oats. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. If desired, gently fold in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to add extra flavor and texture.
- Press into Dish: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using the back of a spoon or spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish to create a compact layer.
- Chill and Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set. Once chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out of the dish. Cut into 12 equal bars and enjoy.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup and almond butter instead of honey and peanut butter.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- You can substitute any nut butter you prefer, such as cashew or sunflower seed butter.
- For crunchier bars, toast the oats lightly before mixing.
- If bars are too crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of nut butter or honey to help bind ingredients better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
