Easy 3 Ingredient Cereal Bars! Recipe

Introduction

These simple cereal bars are a quick and delicious snack perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go bites. Made with just a few wholesome ingredients, they’re easy to customize and require no baking.

A close-up of three stacked cereal bars, each bar made of light brown round cereal pieces tightly packed together with small pieces of red dried fruit mixed in. Between each cereal layer is a thick, creamy white layer that acts like a glue holding the bars together. The bars are set on a piece of parchment paper on a white marbled surface, with a blurred blue background. The texture of the cereal pieces is crunchy, and the cream layers are smooth and slightly glossy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Line an 8-inch pan with wax or parchment paper. If doubling the recipe, use a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Step 2: If needed, gently warm the nut butter until it’s easy to stir.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cereal, nut butter, syrup, and any optional ingredients. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Place a second sheet of parchment paper over the top and press down very firmly to compact the bars.
  5. Step 5: Freeze for about 30 minutes or until firm enough to cut into bars.
  6. Step 6: Cut into bars and store leftovers appropriately.

Tips & Variations

  • Press the mixture down firmly to prevent bars from falling apart after slicing.
  • Try different cereals and nut butters to vary flavor and texture.
  • Add protein powder for an extra nutritional boost.
  • Include mix-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store the cereal bars covered in the refrigerator, freezer, or on the counter in a cool, dry place. They keep best refrigerated and can be frozen for longer storage. If refrigerated or frozen, allow bars to come to room temperature briefly for easier eating.

How to Serve

Three square cereal bars are stacked on top of each other on a sheet of parchment paper, set on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two layers: the top layer is golden-brown round cereal loops with small pieces of red dried fruit scattered throughout, and the bottom layer is a smooth, creamy white coating that holds the cereal together. The texture of the cereal is crunchy, and the white coating looks slightly glossy and thick, dripping a little around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of cereal?

Yes, you can use your favorite cereal. Just choose one that holds up well to mixing and pressing, like granola, rice cereal, or toasted oats.

Do these bars need to be baked?

No baking is required. The nut butter and syrup bind the cereal together, and freezing firms the bars so they hold their shape when sliced.

Print

Easy 3 Ingredient Cereal Bars! Recipe

These easy and versatile cereal bars are a quick no-bake snack made with your choice of cereal, nut butter, and a natural sweetener like honey or agave. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or on-the-go treat, they can be customized with optional protein powder and salt for added flavor and nutrition.

  • Author: Nethan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars (approximately, depending on cut size) 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Base 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 Additions

  • 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
  • 3 tbsp protein powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch pan with wax or parchment paper. For a larger batch, you may double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Warm Nut Butter: If needed, gently warm the nut butter until it becomes easily stirrable, to help mix the ingredients evenly.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the cereal, nut butter, sweetener of choice, and any optional ingredients like salt and protein powder until fully combined.
  4. Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the lined pan.
  5. Press Mixture Firmly: Place a second sheet of parchment paper over the top and press down very firmly to compact the mixture, ensuring the bars hold together well after cutting.
  6. Chill: Freeze the pressed mixture for at least 30 minutes or until firm enough to slice into bars.
  7. Store: After cutting, cover leftovers and store them in the refrigerator, freezer, or at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Notes

  • Feel free to experiment with different cereals and nut butters to suit your taste and dietary needs.
  • The addition of protein powder can boost the nutritional profile, making these bars great for post-workout snacks.
  • Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is crucial to prevent bars from crumbling.
  • Store bars in refrigeration or freezing for longer shelf life; they can also be kept at room temperature if in a cool, dry environment.
  • These bars are naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free cereal and other certified ingredients.

Keywords: cereal bars, no bake snack, healthy breakfast, peanut butter bars, easy snack recipe, gluten free, protein bars

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