These simple, no-bake cereal bars are perfect for a quick snack or a wholesome breakfast. With just a few ingredients, they come together quickly and can be customized to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or a more protein-packed option, these bars are incredibly versatile and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy it is to make these cereal bars, and how customizable they are. I can choose any cereal I want, depending on what I have in the pantry or what I’m in the mood for. The peanut butter or nut butter adds a creamy texture, while the sweetener gives just the right amount of sweetness. The best part is that I can easily adjust the ingredients to make them more nutritious by adding protein powder, or even a pinch of salt for an extra flavor boost. Plus, they’re perfect for on-the-go snacks or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
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3 cups cereal of choice
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2/3 cup peanut butter or nut butter of choice
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1/2 cup agave, honey, or brown rice syrup
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optional 1/2 tsp salt
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optional 3 tbsp protein powder
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Line an 8-inch pan with wax or parchment paper. If you prefer, you can double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan.
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If needed, gently warm the peanut butter or nut butter until it’s easily stirrable.
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In a large bowl, stir together the cereal, peanut butter, sweetener, and any optional ingredients (like salt or protein powder) until well combined.
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Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan.
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Place a second sheet of parchment paper over the top of the mixture, and press the cereal down very firmly. Pressing down is key to making sure the bars stay together when cut later.
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Freeze the pan for about 30 minutes, or until the bars are firm enough to slice into pieces.
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Once the bars are set, cut them into squares or rectangles. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer, or in a cool, dry place on the counter.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8 to 10 bars, depending on how large you cut them. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and about 30 minutes in the freezer for them to set.
Variations
I love experimenting with different variations of these cereal bars! Here are a few ideas:
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Swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
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Try adding mini chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds like chia or flax for extra texture and nutrients.
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Use a plant-based protein powder to make them vegan-friendly.
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For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the mix.
Storage/Reheating
These cereal bars are very easy to store. After cutting them, I keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week. You can also store them in the freezer if you want them to last longer, or if you prefer a firmer texture. If you store them at room temperature, make sure they are kept in a cool, dry place to avoid them becoming too soft.
FAQs
Can I use any type of cereal for this recipe?
Yes! You can use any cereal you like. I’ve tried everything from oats to cornflakes to rice cereal, and they all work great.
Can I make these bars without peanut butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with any nut butter of your choice, such as almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?
The key is to press the cereal mixture firmly into the pan before freezing. This helps the bars stick together when sliced.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, simply use a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup and make sure to use a plant-based protein powder if you’re adding that.
How long do these cereal bars last?
When stored in the refrigerator, these bars can last up to a week. If you freeze them, they can last for a couple of months.
Conclusion
These cereal bars are such an easy and customizable snack or breakfast option. Whether I’m looking for a quick pick-me-up during the day or a healthy meal prep option for the week, these bars have never disappointed. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, I can create a delicious and nutritious snack that I love.
Print
Cereal Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 8-10 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These simple, no-bake cereal bars are perfect for a quick snack or a wholesome breakfast. They are customizable and easy to make, with options for different cereals, nut butters, and additional ingredients.
Ingredients
3 cups cereal of choice
2/3 cup peanut butter or nut butter of choice
1/2 cup agave, honey, or brown rice syrup
optional 1/2 tsp salt
optional 3 tbsp protein powder
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch pan with wax or parchment paper. You can double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan.
- If needed, gently warm the peanut butter or nut butter until it’s easily stirrable.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cereal, peanut butter, sweetener, and any optional ingredients (like salt or protein powder) until well combined.
- Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan.
- Place a second sheet of parchment paper over the top of the mixture, and press the cereal down very firmly. Pressing down is key to making sure the bars stay together when cut later.
- Freeze the pan for about 30 minutes, or until the bars are firm enough to slice into pieces.
- Once the bars are set, cut them into squares or rectangles. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer, or in a cool, dry place on the counter.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 8 to 10 bars, depending on how large you cut them.
- For an extra flavor kick, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator, or freeze them for a longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
