Delicious homemade 3-ingredient cereal bars ready for a healthy snack.

Irresistible Cereal Bars: Easy 3-Ingredient Healthy Treats

ByJOHN
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Why Make This Recipe

Cereal bars are a perfect snack for everyone! They are quick to make, easy to carry around, and can fit into any lifestyle. With just three main ingredients, you can whip up a batch of tasty treats that are not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you are looking for a quick energy boost before your workout, a simple snack for your kids, or a healthy option for lunch boxes, these bars check all the boxes. Plus, by using your favorite ingredients, you can easily customize them to suit your tastes!

How to Make Irresistible Cereal Bars

Making these cereal bars is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Gather your ingredients, follow the simple directions, and you’ll have a healthy treat ready to go in no time.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups Cereal: Choose small flakes or shapes like Cheerios or Rice Krispies.
  • 1 cup Nut Butter: Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, almond butter, or sunbutter.
  • 1/2 cup Liquid Sweetener: Agave syrup, honey, or brown rice syrup work well.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt: This balances the sweetness of the bars.
  • Protein Powder (Optional): Adjust according to your dietary needs.

Directions:

Preparation Steps

  1. Gather Your Ingredients: Make sure you have everything you need before you start. This will make the process go smoother.

  2. Choose Your Cereal: Select the type of cereal you want to use. Small flakes or shapes are best as they will stick together easily.

  3. Mix Nut Butter and Sweetener: In a large mixing bowl, combine the nut butter and liquid sweetener. Stir until they are well mixed and smooth.

  4. Add Cereal and Salt: Gradually add the cereal to the nut butter mixture. Sprinkle in the salt. Stir gently until all the cereal is coated with the nut butter mixture.

  5. Optional Addition of Protein Powder: If you are using protein powder, this is the time to add it. Mix well to combine.

  6. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Line a baking dish or pan with parchment paper for easy removal. A 9×9-inch square pan works perfectly.

  7. Transfer Mixture to Pan: Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly.

  8. Chill in the Fridge: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the bars harden.

  9. Cut Into Bars: Once chilled, remove the mixture from the pan and cut it into bars or squares of your desired size.

  10. Enjoy!: Your irresistible cereal bars are ready to be eaten. Enjoy them right away or store them for later!

How to Serve Irresistible Cereal Bars

These cereal bars are super versatile! Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

  • On-the-Go Snack: Easily wrap a few bars in parchment paper for a quick snack during the day or while traveling.
  • Lunch Boxes: Add a couple of bars into your child’s lunch box. They will love the tasty treat!
  • Post-Workout Boost: Enjoy one or two bars after a workout to refuel your body with energy and protein.
  • Dessert Alternative: Pair them with some yogurt or fruit for a healthier dessert option.

How to Store Irresistible Cereal Bars

To keep your cereal bars fresh and tasty, store them properly:

  • In an Airtight Container: Place the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
  • Refrigerate or Freeze: You can store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the individual bars in a freezer bag for up to three months. Make sure to separate them using parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Tips to Make Irresistible Cereal Bars

Here are some handy tips to get the best out of your cereal bars:

  • Press Firmly: When pressing the mixture into the pan, make sure to press down firmly. This helps the bars hold their shape better when cut.
  • Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature: Using nut butter and sweeteners at room temperature makes mixing easier.
  • Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for extra flavor and texture! Just make sure to adjust the amount of cereal accordingly.
  • Taste Test: Always taste your mixture before it’s chilled. This will let you know if you want to adjust the sweetness or add more salt.

Variation

Here are some fun ways to switch up your cereal bars:

  • Chocolate Cereal Bars: Add cocoa powder to the nut butter mixture for a chocolatey flavor.
  • Fruit-and-Nut Bars: Mix in chopped dried fruits and nuts for added nutrition and flavor. Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped almonds work great!
  • Coconut Cereal Bars: Add unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Feel free to play around with different flavor combinations and find what you and your family love best!

FAQs

  1. Can I use different types of cereal?
    Yes! You can use any cereal you prefer. Just try to stick to smaller pieces as they mix better.

  2. Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars?
    While you can store them at room temperature for a short time, refrigerating helps them stay fresh longer. It also helps them set properly!

  3. Can I make these bars vegan?
    Absolutely! Choose a plant-based nut butter and use agave syrup instead of honey to make these bars vegan-friendly.

  4. How can I customize the sweetness?
    You can adjust the amount of liquid sweetener based on your taste. Start with half the amount and add more if you want it sweeter.

  5. What if my bars crumble when I cut them?
    If they crumble, it may be that the mixture wasn’t pressed down firmly enough or that the nut butter was too thick. Make sure to compress the mixture well before chilling.

Enjoy the process of making these Irresistible Cereal Bars and the delightful treat that results! With minimal effort, you’ll have a healthy snack that everyone will love!

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Irresistible Cereal Bars

Print Recipe

Delicious and nutritious cereal bars made with just three main ingredients, perfect for on-the-go snacking or lunch boxes.

  • Author: hbibamine1980
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups Cereal (e.g., Cheerios or Rice Krispies)
  • 1 cup Nut Butter (e.g., peanut butter, almond butter, or sunbutter)
  • 1/2 cup Liquid Sweetener (e.g., agave syrup, honey, or brown rice syrup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • Protein Powder (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather your ingredients and make sure you have everything you need.
  2. Choose the type of cereal you want to use.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the nut butter and liquid sweetener. Stir until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the cereal and sprinkle in the salt. Stir gently until all cereal is coated.
  5. If using, add protein powder and mix well.
  6. Line a 9×9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Remove from pan and cut into bars or squares.
  10. Enjoy your cereal bars or store them for later!

Notes

Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help bars hold their shape. Experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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