Description

These homemade cereal bars are a nutritious and delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Made with crispy rice cereal, rolled oats, and a binding mixture of honey and peanut butter, they offer a wholesome combination of flavors and textures. Optional add-ins like mini chocolate chips or dried fruit add a delightful twist, making these bars customizable and appealing to both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, these bars are a great grab-and-go option for busy lifestyles.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups crispy rice cereal or mixed whole-grain cereal
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup honey or maple syrup
½ cup peanut butter or almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins

¼ cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit

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Instructions

Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some extra over the edges for easy removal of the bars later.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the crispy rice cereal and rolled oats until well combined. Set aside.
Make the binding mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor.
Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and oats, stirring gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. If you’re including mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, fold them in at this stage, being careful not to crush them.
Press mixture into dish: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together when cut.
Chill until firm: Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set properly. Once firm, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 evenly sized bars.

Notes

Use a nut-free butter alternative if you need a nut-free snack option.
You can substitute honey or maple syrup with agave nectar for a different sweetness.
Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well after cutting.
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for best freshness.
Optional add-ins like nuts or seeds can be included for extra texture and nutrition.