Homemade cereal bars that are quick (no-bake), easy and nutritious. Ready in just 10 minutes, they make a great go-to snack option too. Once you are hooked onto these, you will stop buying cereal bars from the store.
If you ask Little A of his favorite breakfast, he would say it's milk and cereal. It's like a staple side for him in addition to whatever I make. He needs his daily dose of cereal and I can proudly say his favorite cereal is oats. Honestly, I have only introduced him to Oats and Cheerios yet. Once in a while when we are on a vacation or something, he does enjoy another cereal but if he had a choice amongst Oats and another Cereal, he would pick Oats for sure. He will soon be going to Kindergarten and I have trying to make a list of all snacks that are mess free. That's how this recipe made it to the blog. I have made these cereal bars often but most times I make them at night and never get around taking pictures because there is no natural light. This time I was helping a friend of mine make these bars for her son, so I made sure I took a few shots.
These cereal bars make a perfect snack option for the kids. They are fast, and easy and nutritious too. These are one among my go to option for a grab and go breakfast or snack. They mess free and filling and is loaded with the goodness of oats. These are definitely healthier than any store bought version that have extra additives and unnecessary ingredients. Making them at home is so much more economical than buying them from the store. Plus you can control what you are adding and these can be easily customized too. This is my basic recipe to make cereal bars.
This is my basic recipe to make cereal bars. Basically, there are two parts to any cereal bar, the cereal, and the binding agent to bind the cereal. In this recipe, I have used caramel to bind the cereal, however, if you like to make it healthier you can try using dates too. I have used toasted rice and oats in this recipe, however you can pick your favorite cereal. Just make sure you make smarter choices when picking a cereal. Not only do I love the ease of making these cereal bars but I love the fact that they are no bake and super delicious. Most cereal bars require you to bake the cereal however, I found a better alternative here.
Since my plan is to customize the taste and toppings every week, I will be making a batch just enough to last me through the week. Say 8 by 12 inches pyrex container. instead of wasting time and energy preheating the oven and then baking the cereal, I roasted the oats in a pan which literally takes 5 minutes. Once the Oats are roasted all you need is another 5 minutes to mix the ingredients and set them in a container. Literally, 10 minutes of your time and you're done. Ofcourse you need to refrigerate the mixture to set and for the right consistency. But if you minus the refrigeration time, it's not bad at all to spend ten minutes of your time to make something healthier and more economical than any store bought option. What say?
So do you have love cereal bars? Do you prefer to buy them or make them?
What are some of your favorite toppings that you like in a cereal bar.?
What is your favorite snack on-the-go?
We would love to hear from you. Drop in your comments below. For more(60+) no-cook / make ahead breakfast options click here
No Bake Cereal Bar Recipe
Homemade cereal bars that are quick (no-bake), easy and nutritious. Ready in just 10 minutes, they make a great go-to snack option too. Once you are hooked onto these, you will stop buying cereal bars from the store.
Ingredients
- toasted rice1 1/2 cups
- oats 1 1/2 cups
- assorted raisins, nuts or treats, I used organic dark chocolate chips 1 cup
- vanilla extract 1 tbsp
- Pinch of Kosher Salt (optional)
For the Caramel
Instructions
- Dry roast the oats for about 5 minutes until you see a slight change in color.
- Add oats and toasted rice in a bowl and keep aside.
- Prepare caramel
In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the butter, maple syrup and brown sugar. Heat it on high for 1 minute to melt.Stop to stir the grainy mixture.Return the bowl back into the microwave and to heat it on high for a minute. Stop to stir again. Return the bowl back into the microwave for the last time, to it on high for a minute. - After the third time, the mixture will be boiling hot and bubbly. The caramel is now ready.
- Add the vanilla essence and stir the caramel.
- Mix the cereal, raisins, assorted nuts and chocolate chips and stir them thoroughly.
- Line wax paper or parchment paper in a 8 by 12 inches container. Spread the mixture into your dish and press it firmly with a spatula while packing it down.
- Allow the mixture to cool down if still warm and cover it.
- Let the mixture set in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours.
- Once the mixture is set cut it into desired size bars or squares.
Notes
If incase the the mixture tastes too sweet, add a pinch of kosher salt to cut the sweetness. If you have used unsweetened cereal, you might not need to do so.
Products Used
Neha Agarwal says
Very Nice Representing ceral bars. I will be definitely try this one at my home.
duffelbagspouse says
This is too easy, makes me wonder why anyone would buy store-bought cereal bars.
Lalia Frolick says
These look so good! Much better than any cereal or granola bars available in the grocery store. I think both of my children would like these, and they would be a great snack option for my son when he starts school next month. Thank you for sharing!
Hey Sharonoox says
This looks yummy! I'm going to try making them. I know my son will love them.
chelf says
these look so filling and full of goodness!
Emily Morton says
These sound great! I might trade out the sugar to make them a bit less sweet but they sure do sound like a fun idea!
suchi says
this looks yum... would love to try it for my daughter
Claire (@clairebeary94) says
Those look so good. I love how you said cereal bar. I don't like eating cereal inside milk but instead I do eat as if it was cookie or chips. So cereal bar will be something I'd eat!
Ellie Chan says
oohh I love the idea of a tasty snack that's easy to make too! cereal bars are my go-to for on the go healthy snacks.
Ellie | http://www.scotchandstilettos.com
Karyn Ryan says
These look delicious so easy to make definitely will be making an appearance in my kids school lunch boxes
The Glitter Gospel (@laceyannedoutha) says
Okay these look amazing! Give me a no bake recipe and I'm totally game!
xx,
Lacey//theglittergospelblog.com
Melissa says
These look great for a snack and so easy to make! Thanks for sharing.
Nicole Caudle says
This is perfect! Simple and quick just like I like it!
The Motivated Mom says
Looks easy and tasty....I'll try it.
Sierra says
Those look delicious and so easy to make! They might be perfect for kids but they are also perfect for me! Between school and work I find myself so busy I forget to eat so if I had something easy to grab on the way out the door that is healthy that would help me out
toastycritic says
I always liked making those no bake snacks when I was a kid. I should be doing this more with my daughter. I love teaching her how to cook. And this is an easy way to start.
Devajani says
Great post. Your recipes are healthy and tasty at the same time. Will give it a try this as well. Looks yummy ?
Sandy Dobbs says
I have to try these! Fast and easy breakfast foods that are also good for you are really hard to find. I love oatmeal and these will be good for the days I just need to grab and go.
Valerie Gray (@valmg) says
My younger brothers used to live on bars like these when they were young. No bake makes them really appealing, I hate heating the house during the summer.
The Mad Mommy says
I love no-bake recipes! I'm usually not a fan of cereal bars, but these look delicious. I am going to have to make these for the kids.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
I'm always looking for easy, delicious snacks that are also portable. I really love that these bars are no-bake.
Catherine says
Love how simple these are...perfect snack bar!
Aimee Geroux says
These look so good. I love that they seem so easy and quick to make. No bake is a huge plus in my books.
Prateek Goel says
Ohh god what a beautiful blog. I've never thought of cereal bars but now think this post is going to help me a lot. Nice recipe.
Ashley says
I love how making something from scratch you could buy in the store gives you control over things like fat and sugar. These look great!
confettiandbliss says
I love your recipe for no bake cereal bars! They not only look delicious but seem quick and easy to make. Thanks so much for this creative money-saving inspiration.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
What a wonderful idea! Sometimes I'm so busy I just don't to take the time to sit down and eat -- a cereal bar would be perfect for giving me some energy to get up and go. This would be great for an after workout snack. I'm pinning!
Heather says
These look really good. I think I'd prefer to bake them instead of buy them, but I've never tried. At least if you do it yourself you know what's in it.
Sona Jain says
I absolutely love this. It loves so delicious and super healthy. Yumm..
Blair Villanueva says
My sister will love this snacks. Plus convenient for my Mom.
Adriana Lopez says
nice idea making your own cereal bars to control what you add and it is pretty easy to make this recipe thanks for sharing =)
Christine Keys says
My son would love these! I will have to pin it for later. :)
mila @ Hangry Woman says
I've always wanted to make my own cereal bars. Thanks for making this recipe easy!
Sarah-Louise Bailey says
This will be so delicious! I will put it in my list and share it with my family and friends.
parentingpatch says
I have never made my own cereal bars before. Your recipe looks super tasty and super easy, especially the no-bake part.
Cassie says
Yum! These look like they'd be absolutely perfect for an on-the-go breakfast! I can understand why it is a favourite in your household!
Francesca says
These look delicious and easy! I know my kids would love them!
Jill @ Kentucky Makeup Junkie says
I love anything with oats and chocolate - these have my mouth watering!
momknowsbest15 says
Milk and cereal is a favorite meal for my boys. These cereal bars look so good.
scenesfromcedarstreet says
I've never tried making my own cereal bars before, I might just have to try this recipe!
eatplayandgo says
These look delicious. My daughter would love them.
asouthernceliac says
No bake cereal bars are the best kind of cereal bars, in my opinion. These sound really good and so simple.
fashionbeyondforty says
You totally had me at NO BAKE! I am not one who enjoys baking. I love cooking - just not baking BUT I DO love cereal bars! In fact, I not only love them but NEED them since I have low blood sugar often. This recipe looks so good - not too much stuff in it! Thanks for the recipe!
Ana De-Jesus says
I am so lazy when it comes to making food so in my eyes the shorter the better, especially when it is no bake. This cereal bar looks rather tasty!
Giustina says
These look so good! And I love how quick & easy they are to make! <3
conniedeal says
Looks delicious and easy to make! Thank you for sharing! I'll be trying this with my little ones, as they love to bake and do anything in the kitchen. Plus, what's not to love about a portable breakfast that you make yourself?!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
I just love how easy these are to make. I also love that they are portable! Perfect for those busy mornings.
Laima Mikelsone says
This is awesome! I will definitely try this soon, looks delicious. :)
jenny at dapperhouse says
I have such a sweet tooth but eat healthy so these are perfect for me! I need to run up and get toasted rice but that's all I need to make them.
Tania Potter - Soul Sense Coaching says
These look great and easy to make. Well done to you for introducing your son to healthy eating habits at such a young age. It is so much harder to unlearn bad habits, I wish I had started off with better choices.
21flavorsofsplendor says
Yummy! I love cereal bars, but hate all the extra junk that is added to most of them. I love the simple ingredients and the fact that I don't need to turn on the oven.
twoboysonepup says
These look so good! And not too complicated! Honestly, you have me with the words "no bake"
Amalia says
So easy to do!! no time at all for some tasty bars!!
Melanie says
So glad you liked them!
thebellyrulesthemind says
Melanie,
Thanks for stopping by. Appreciate it.
The cereal bars were delicious. I have tried several recipes so far but what I liked most about your recipe was the consistency. I plan to make another batch for some of my friends and family. Thanks for sharing. Loved em!!!