When it comes to snacks, cereal bars are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a student looking for a quick energy boost or a busy professional searching for a healthy treat, these sweet and satisfying treats have got you covered. And the best part? You don’t have to rely on store-bought options that can be full of preservatives and added sugars. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative combinations, you can whip up your own delicious cereal bars at home. In this article, we’ll share 20 mouthwatering recipes for every occasion – from classic flavors like peanut butter and banana to more unique combinations like s’mores and caramel pretzel. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cereal Bars
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cereal Bars Recipe
These chewy bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with crunchy cereal for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cereal and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Add the cereal to the peanut butter mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Oatmeal Raisin Cereal Bars
These chewy bars are a nostalgic favorite, made with rolled oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Stir in raisins and melted butter until well combined.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Banana Nut Cereal Bars
These chewy bars combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the crunch of nuts and cereal, making them a perfect snack or breakfast option. With just 10 ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup crushed cereal (such as Cheerios)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon peanut butter
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Add oats, cereal, walnuts, honey, peanut butter, and salt to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Almond Joy Cereal Bars
These sweet and satisfying bars combine the classic flavors of coconut, almonds, and chocolate to create a tropical treat that’s perfect for snacking on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cereal (such as Chex or Golden Grahams)
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chocolate chips or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine cereal and oats.
3. In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Fold in shredded coconut and chopped almonds.
6. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
S’mores Cereal Bars
Take your love of s’mores to the next level with these easy-to-make cereal bars, perfect for snacking on-the-go or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
– 1 cup marshmallow creme
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the Golden Grahams cereal and melted butter until well mixed.
2. Stir in the marshmallow creme until fully incorporated.
3. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the melted chocolate; stir to combine.
5. Press the cereal mixture into a lined or greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
6. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal layer.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: None, as these bars are no-bake!
Apple Cinnamon Cereal Bars
These chewy bars combine the natural sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, all wrapped up in a crunchy cereal crust. Perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go or as a healthy snack to fuel your day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup granola
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup diced apples (about 2 medium-sized)
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, granola, brown sugar, and honey until well combined.
3. Add diced apples, cinnamon, and salt; stir until evenly distributed.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Double Chocolate Cereal Bars
Transform your favorite childhood cereal into a decadent treat with these indulgent double chocolate bars. Perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings or as a unique snack for parties.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine cereal and melted butter until evenly coated.
3. In a separate bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Add to the cereal mixture and stir until combined.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Pour over the cereal mixture and stir until well combined.
5. If using walnuts, fold them into the mixture.
6. Press mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Bars
These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go. With the combination of sweet strawberries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy cereal, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup strawberry flavored cereal
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the oats and strawberry cereal.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add the chopped strawberries to the yogurt mixture and stir well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
7. Cut into bars and serve.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (refrigeration time)
Pumpkin Spice Cereal Bars
Pumpkin Spice Cereal Bars: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Snack!
These chewy bars combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with the crunch of cereal, perfect for a fall treat or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup crushed cereal (such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, cereal, brown sugar, peanut butter, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Blueberry Almond Cereal Bars
These chewy bars are packed with the sweet flavor of blueberries, the crunch of almonds, and the wholesome goodness of whole grain cereal. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup whole grain cereal (such as Cheerios)
– 1/2 cup dried blueberries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, cereal, blueberries, and almonds.
3. In a small bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, and oil. Pour mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Coconut Macaroon Cereal Bars
These chewy bars are a perfect combination of crispy cereal and creamy coconut, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. With just a few ingredients, you can create these delicious treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cereal ( Rice Chex or similar)
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together cereal, coconut, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramel Pretzel Cereal Bars
These chewy bars combine the classic flavors of caramel, pretzels, and cereal for a unique snack that’s perfect for parties or just satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup crushed pretzels
– 1 cup Caramel bits (such as Kraft or Ghirardelli)
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup Chex cereal (any variety)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, pretzels, and Caramel bits.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring until caramel is melted and smooth.
4. Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Cereal Bars
Elevate your snack game with these citrusy and crunchy cereal bars, perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a healthy breakfast option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup crushed cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, cereal, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
4. Fold in chopped mint leaves and poppy seeds.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish and bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Maple Pecan Cereal Bars
These chewy bars are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, packed with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the crunch of pecans.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, flour, and baking powder. Add melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract; stir until combined.
3. Fold in chopped pecans.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cherry Chocolate Cereal Bars
Cherry Chocolate Cereal Bars Recipe
A sweet and indulgent treat that combines the flavors of cherry and chocolate with the crunch of cereal bars. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these bars are easy to make and delicious to eat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup crushed Froot Loops cereal
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup cherry jam or preserves
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, crushed cereal, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
4. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Pour over cereal mixture and stir until coated.
5. Spoon cherry jam or preserves on top of chocolate layer. Sprinkle with salt.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on baking time)
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cereal Bars
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cereal Bars: A Sweet Treat for a Quick Pick-Me-Up!
These chewy bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly with crunchy cereal, making them a perfect snack for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup grape jelly
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 cup crunchy cereal (such as Froot Loops or Cheerios)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, and jelly. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the milk, salt, and honey to the bowl. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the crunchy cereal.
4. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: None! These bars are no-bake, making them perfect for hot summer days or quick snacks on-the-go.
Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Cereal Bars!
Gingerbread Cereal Bars
These chewy bars combine the warmth of gingerbread spices with the crunch of cereal, making them a perfect snack or breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup crushed gingerbread cereal (such as Golden Grahams)
– Optional: chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and baking soda.
3. Add melted butter and stir until mixture forms a crumbly dough.
4. Fold in crushed cereal and optional nuts or cranberries (if using).
5. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vanilla Bean Cereal Bars
These chewy bars are a perfect combination of sweet and crunchy, made with vanilla bean-infused goodness and crispy cereal. They’re a great snack or dessert to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup crushed cereal (e.g., Cheerios)
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together oats, cereal, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Raspberry White Chocolate Cereal Bars
Raspberry White Chocolate Cereal Bars: A Sweet Treat!
These chewy bars combine the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of raspberries, all wrapped up in a crunchy cereal crust. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup granola
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh raspberries
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together oats and granola.
3. Add melted butter and stir until mixture is well combined.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Melt white chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
6. Spread raspberry jam over the cereal crust, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Top with melted white chocolate and chopped raspberries.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Trail Mix Cereal Bars
These no-bake bars are a perfect blend of crunchy trail mix and chewy cereal, making them a satisfying snack for any time. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy treat that’s easy to grab on the go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup puffed rice cereal
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
– 1/4 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, cereal, and trail mix.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: None, as these are no-bake bars!
Summary
Get ready to elevate your snack game with these 20 delicious cereal bars recipes! From classic flavors like peanut butter and jelly, to decadent treats like double chocolate and caramel pretzel, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a healthy snack, these creative recipes will inspire you to get baking. With ingredients ranging from bananas to pumpkin puree, there’s no excuse not to try one (or two, or three…). So go ahead, grab some cereal and get started on making your own tasty bars at home!