There are few joys quite like biting into perfectly chewy, slightly sweet Homemade Cereal Bars packed with delightful crispiness and a touch of chocolate. This is one of those easy, family-approved recipes that tastes like pure nostalgia, yet is made with ingredients you can feel good about. They’re ridiculously simple, endlessly customizable, and seriously addictive—which is probably why I end up making these Homemade Cereal Bars at least once a week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples transform into something surprisingly irresistible in this recipe. Each ingredient plays a special role, from adding crunch to for that stick-to-your-fingers chewiness, resulting in the Homemade Cereal Bars you’ll want to stash in every lunchbox or backpack.
- Crispy rice cereal (3 cups): Brings that iconic light crunch and helps hold the bars together in every bite.
- Old-fashioned oats (1 ½ cups): Add hearty texture and a pleasant chewiness for a bit more substance.
- Honey (½ cup): This natural sweetener creates stickiness to bind, plus a delicate floral sweetness.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The magic ingredient for rich flavor and creamy cohesiveness (swap for almond or sunflower butter if you prefer).
- Light brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds a subtle, caramel-like undertone that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses warmth and brings the separate flavors together.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch brings balance, making all the other flavors shine.
- Mini chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For an extra burst of chocolatey joy—totally optional, but highly encouraged!
How to Make Homemade Cereal Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure you have some overhang on at least two sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift the chilled bars out in one big piece for slicing. Set it aside—once you start mixing, things move quickly!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal and old-fashioned oats. Stir them together so when you pour the sticky mixture in later, everything mixes evenly and the bars have a good balance of crunch and chew in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Binding Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, gently stir together honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Watch as it transforms into a smooth, luscious mixture—just make sure to keep stirring so nothing scorches at the bottom. Once it’s melted and cohesive, take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt for a final hit of flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Pour the warm honey-peanut butter mixture over your bowl of cereal and oats. Work fairly quickly here, mixing thoroughly so every bit gets coated in that irresistible sticky hug. Give it a good toss until nothing dry remains and the mixture is evenly distributed.
Step 5: (Optional) Add the Chocolate Chips
Let the mixture cool for several minutes—this ensures your mini chocolate chips don’t melt into a chocolate swirl (unless you’re into that sort of thing). Gently fold in the chips, spotting them like hidden gems throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Press and Chill
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Grab a spatula (or the back of a sturdy spoon) and press down firmly to create an even, compact layer—don’t be shy, this helps the bars hold together. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least an hour so the bars set and become beautifully sliceable.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!
Once fully chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the slab from the pan. Slice it into neat bars, squares, or any shape you like. Ta-da! Your Homemade Cereal Bars are ready for snacking, sharing, or stashing for later.
How to Serve Homemade Cereal Bars
Garnishes
Sometimes the little extras make all the difference. Try a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the bars, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, or a light dusting of cinnamon for a warm, cozy vibe. Even a handful of coconut flakes pressed on top can add fun flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Homemade Cereal Bars shine brilliantly on their own, but they’re even more delightful when paired with a cold glass of milk, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a bowl of fresh fruit. These simple sides round out the snack and elevate your eating experience, whether it’s breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap the bars individually in parchment paper and secure with a fun sticker or twine for lunchboxes or gifting. Stack them tall on a platter for brunch, or cut them into tiny squares for a snack tray alongside fruit, cheese, or nuts. For parties, try serving the bars in muffin liners—cute and portable for everyone!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Cereal Bars fresh and soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. For best texture, layer parchment paper between stacked bars. They’ll last up to a week—if they’re not all eaten before then!
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, Homemade Cereal Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge for a quick snack anytime.
Reheating
While these bars are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can warm them up gently if you want a gooier texture. Pop one in the microwave for about ten seconds and enjoy that just-made softness—especially good if you’ve added chocolate!
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Cereal Bars nut free?
Absolutely! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative. You’ll still get that creamy texture and rich taste without any nuts.
How do I keep my bars from falling apart?
The key is to press the mixture very firmly into the pan and make sure the honey and peanut butter mixture thoroughly coats all the dry ingredients. Chilling for at least an hour also helps set the bars and hold their shape.
Can I add different mix-ins to my Homemade Cereal Bars?
Definitely! Chopped dried fruit, seeds (like pumpkin or chia), shredded coconut, or even extra nuts work well. Just be careful not to overload with too many additions or the bars might not hold together as nicely.
Are these bars gluten free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats and make sure your crispy rice cereal is gluten free, these Homemade Cereal Bars can easily fit a gluten-free diet. Always double-check labels, as some cereals may contain malt or other gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan instead. Press the mixture evenly, chill well, and slice into larger batches—perfect for party platters or week-long meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Whenever you’re craving something easy, nostalgic, and satisfying, give these Homemade Cereal Bars a try. They’re the sort of treat you’ll end up making again and again—and sharing with everyone you know. Don’t be surprised if they vanish as quickly as you slice them. Happy snacking!
Print
Homemade Cereal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Cereal Bars are a delightful mix of crispy rice cereal, oats, honey, and peanut butter, with the option to add a touch of chocolate. Easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional:
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine crispy rice cereal and oats in a large bowl.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm mixture over dry ingredients and stir. Add chocolate chips if desired.
- Press into Pan: Press mixture into the prepared pan firmly.
- Chill and Slice: Chill for at least 1 hour, then slice into bars.
Notes
- Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Customize with dried fruit, seeds, or nuts for added variety.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
