Description
These delicious and easy-to-make cereal bars combine crispy rice cereal, oats, and a sticky blend of honey and peanut butter for a perfect no-bake snack. Ideal for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat, these bars can be customized with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts or dried fruit (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, old-fashioned oats, and salt, ensuring even distribution.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and just starts to bubble, which takes about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is fully coated and combined.
- Optional Add-ins: Let the mixture cool slightly, then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit, if using, for added flavor and texture.
- Press into Pan: Firmly and evenly press the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to compact it tightly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour or until the bars are set and firm.
- Cut and Store: Lift the set mixture out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut it into 12 bars or squares. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate to extend shelf life.
Notes
- To make the bars nut-free, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a similar nut-free alternative.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Enhance nutrition by adding shredded coconut, flaxseeds, or chia seeds into the mixture.
