Description
Sweet and nutty cereal bars elevate breakfast with a delightful crunch that whisks you straight to morning comfort. Packed with wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor, these homemade bars promise a quick, satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (75 g) cereal (cheerios, puffed rice, or granola)
- ½ cup (120 g) nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- ½ cup (120 ml) honey or maple syrup
Flavoring and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup (40 g) mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (30 g) dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by lining a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the edges for effortless removal.
- Create a smooth, glossy binding liquid by gently heating nut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes completely liquid and uniform.
- Pour the warm, liquid mixture over your selected cereal in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each crisp piece becomes thoroughly coated with the sweet, sticky binding agent.
- Optional enhancement: Fold in complementary ingredients like chopped dried fruits, seeds, or nuts to add texture and depth of flavor.
- Transfer the cereal mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula or clean hands to compress and distribute the contents evenly, creating a uniform layer with consistent thickness.
- Refrigerate the pan for approximately 60-75 minutes, allowing the bars to solidify and develop a firm, cohesive structure that will hold its shape when cut.
- Once completely chilled, lift the entire block from the pan using the overhanging parchment paper and place on a cutting surface.
- Slice the consolidated mixture into uniform rectangular or square portions, creating individual servings that are easy to handle and enjoy.
- Consume immediately or store in a sealed container within the refrigerator, maintaining freshness for up to seven days.
Notes
- Customize your cereal bars by choosing different types of cereals for unique flavor combinations and textures.
- Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for alternative sweeteners that suit vegan or specific dietary preferences.
- Add dark chocolate chips or protein powder to boost nutritional value and create a more indulgent treat.
- Use gluten-free cereal options to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 188
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 39 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg