Description
These no-bake cereal bars combine crispy rice cereal and oats with a sweet and creamy mixture of honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Enhanced with optional chocolate chips and nuts, they make a perfect quick and healthy snack that requires no baking and minimal preparation.
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 the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to allow easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal and old-fashioned oats evenly.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and just starts to bubble, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt to the warm mixture to enhance flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until all the cereal and oats are evenly coated.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Let the mixture cool slightly, then fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit if desired for added texture and taste.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to compact the bars tightly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set and firm up properly.
- Cut and Store: Lift the set mixture out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars or squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- To make nut-free bars, substitute sunflower seed butter or a similar seed butter for the peanut butter.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Additional nutritious mix-ins like shredded coconut, flaxseeds, or chia seeds can be incorporated for extra fiber and omega-3s.
