Description
These easy-to-make Cereal Bars are a perfect no-bake snack combining your favorite cereal with peanut butter and a natural sweetener like honey or agave. They are versatile, customizable with optional protein powder and salt, and ideal for a quick energy boost or a wholesome treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch pan with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking. If making a larger batch, use a 9×13-inch pan and double the recipe accordingly.
- Warm nut butter: If your nut butter is too stiff, gently warm it until it becomes easily stirrable, ensuring it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cereal, nut butter, sweetener of choice, and if desired, add salt and protein powder. Stir thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.
- Transfer mixture to pan: Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan. Place a second sheet of parchment paper on top and press down very firmly to compact the mixture, which helps the bars hold together after slicing.
- Chill and set: Freeze the pan for at least 30 minutes or until the mixture is firm enough to cut into bars.
- Store: Cover any leftover bars and keep them refrigerated, frozen, or stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature for freshness.
Notes
- Use any cereal you prefer – oats, granola, rice cereal, or a gluten-free option work well.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount or type of syrup used.
- Adding protein powder increases nutritional value and makes the bars more filling.
- Pressing the mixture firmly before chilling is key to prevent crumbly bars.
- Bars can be customized with mix-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 9 bars total)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
