Description
These delicious no-bake cereal bars combine crispy rice cereal and old-fashioned oats with honey and peanut butter for a wholesome and satisfying snack. Easy to prepare and customizable with optional chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, these bars are perfect for a quick energy boost on the go.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped nuts or dried fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal and old-fashioned oats evenly to create the base of the bars.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and just begins to bubble, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor profile.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the warm honey and peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until all the cereal and oats are evenly coated with the sticky mixture.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then fold in any optional ingredients like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit if desired.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly, compacting it tightly to hold together.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set and harden properly.
- Cut and Store: Lift the set mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 bars or squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a similar seed butter alternative.
- To make these bars vegan, replace honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- For added nutrition and texture, consider mixing in shredded coconut, flaxseeds, or chia seeds.
