Description
These homemade no-bake cereal bars are a quick and easy snack perfect for kids and adults alike. Made with crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of honey and brown sugar, they offer a deliciously sweet and satisfying treat. Optional additions like mini chocolate chips or dried fruit add extra flavor and texture. Ideal for grab-and-go snacking or a wholesome energy boost.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup honey or light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars once set.
- Make the syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey (or light corn syrup) and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble, indicating it has reached the right temperature and consistency.
- Add peanut butter and flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix with cereal: Pour the hot syrup mixture over the crispy rice cereal in a large bowl. Stir swiftly but thoroughly to evenly coat all the cereal pieces with the mixture.
- Add optional ingredients: If desired, fold in the mini chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit. Wait for the mixture to cool slightly before adding chocolate chips to prevent melting.
- Transfer and shape: Transfer the coated cereal mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press it firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or greased hands to create a compact layer.
- Set and slice: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until fully set. Once firm, slice into 12 bars and serve or store as needed.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- You can replace crispy rice cereal with other cereals such as cornflakes or multigrain squares for different textures.
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper for convenient grab-and-go snacks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
