Cereal Bar Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a sweet snack that hits just the right balance between crunchy, nutty, and satisfyingly chocolatey, you’re in for a treat with this Cereal Bar recipe. It’s so much more than just a quick pick-me-up; it’s a powerhouse of textures and flavors that come together beautifully in each bite. Whether you’re heading out for a hike, need a midday boost, or just want a guilt-free snack that feels indulgent, these bars deliver on every front. Trust me, once you make your own Cereal Bar from scratch, store-bought just won’t cut it anymore!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Cereal Bars just right starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that work together in harmony. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich nutty crunch to the silky sweetness and that irresistible touch of chocolate.
- Raw unsalted nuts: I recommend a combo of cashews, pecans, peanuts, and slivered almonds for a variety of flavors and crunchy textures.
- Unsweetened chocolate: Adds a deep, rich cocoa flavor that perfectly contrasts with the sweetness.
- Crisp rice cereal: The secret to that airy, crispy texture, and going gluten-free is easy with this option.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and keep things balanced.
- Virgin coconut oil: Melted and cooled, it binds everything together with a hint of tropical flair.
- Honey: The natural sweetener that gives the bars their chewiness and golden color; you can mix in Lyle’s Golden Syrup if you love an extra touch of richness.
- Dark chocolate (optional): Melted for drizzling on top to give an elegant finish that’s both pretty and delicious.
How to Make Cereal Bar
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F and line a shallow 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes it so much easier to remove the bars once they’re set.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the raw nuts, chopped unsweetened chocolate, crisp rice cereal, and kosher salt. Give everything a good mix and break up any large chunks so every bite has a consistent crunch.
Step 3: Add the Sticky Goodness
Pour in the melted and cooled virgin coconut oil, along with the honey and Lyle’s Golden Syrup (or your honey choice). Mix thoroughly – this will make a thick, sticky mix that’s absolutely perfect for binding all those wonderful ingredients together.
Step 4: Press It Down
Transfer your mixture to the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top and press down firmly with your hands or a spatula to compact the mixture into a solid, even layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Remove the top parchment sheet and pop the pan into the oven’s center rack. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly browned and bubbling, which signals that magic sticky caramelization happening!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the pan cool for 10 minutes. With the bars still in the pan, use a bench scraper or butter knife to score the mixture into bars—first slicing down the length in the center, then cutting across into two rows of seven bars each.
Step 7: Chill to Set
Pop the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or the freezer for 5 minutes so the bars can fully firm up, making them easier to remove and handle.
Step 8: Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)
Once chilled, separate the bars and drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an elegant finishing touch. Let the chocolate set before serving or storing.
How to Serve Cereal Bar
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a scattering of chopped nuts on top of the chocolate drizzle can elevate the flavor and add an extra crunch that makes these cereal bars even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your homemade Cereal Bar with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of almond milk for a balanced snack experience that’s both comforting and energizing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these bars on a beautiful platter lined with fresh fruit slices or wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming grab-and-go snack or homemade gift idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cereal bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them a perfect snack to enjoy throughout your busy week.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully and stay fresh for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cereal bar warm, unwrap and microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or let it thaw at room temperature. This will bring back that soft, gooey texture that makes these bars so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in my Cereal Bar?
Absolutely! The recipe is flexible, so feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or seeds. Just keep the total volume the same to maintain the right texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free. These substitutions keep the bars sticky and delicious while keeping them plant-based.
Can I add dried fruits to the bars?
Definitely—toss in chopped dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins with the dry ingredients for a fruity twist that adds chewiness and bursts of flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without them crumbling?
Make sure the bars are fully chilled and use a sharp knife or bench scraper. Cutting while they’re still warm can cause them to crumble.
Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?
For sure! The bars are delicious on their own. The drizzle is just a pretty, tasty bonus if you want to dress them up.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Cereal Bar recipe is both simple and so rewarding to make at home. It’s got that perfect harmony of crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey goodness that keeps me coming back for more. Whether as a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing treat, these bars are truly a little homemade joy you can bring with you wherever you go. Go ahead and give them a try—you might just find your new favorite snack!
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Cereal Bar Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 14 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These homemade cereal bars are a delicious and wholesome snack, combining the crunch of raw unsalted nuts and crisp rice cereal with the rich flavor of chocolate and natural sweetness from honey and golden syrup. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat, they are easy to prepare and customizable with optional dark chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
Nuts and Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups raw unsalted nuts (combination of cashews, pecans, peanuts, and slivered almonds)
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate (chopped)
- 2 cups crisp rice cereal (unsweetened, gluten free if necessary)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil (melted and cooled)
- 3/4 cup honey (or a mix of honey and/or Lyle’s Golden Syrup, or all one or the other)
Optional Topping
- 2 ounces dark chocolate (chopped and melted for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a quarter sheet pan (a shallow rimmed 9 x 13-inch baking sheet) with unbleached parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, place the raw nuts, chopped unsweetened chocolate, crisp rice cereal, and kosher salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly, breaking up any large pieces of nuts or chocolate for an even texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted and cooled virgin coconut oil, along with the honey and/or Lyle’s Golden Syrup. Mix well to combine; the mixture will become very thick and sticky, which helps hold the bars together.
- Transfer and Press Mixture: Spread the sticky mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Cover it with another sheet of unbleached parchment paper and press firmly to compress the mixture into an even and cohesive layer.
- Remove Top Parchment: Carefully remove the top sheet of parchment, keeping the compressed mixture intact in the pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly browned and bubbling, indicating it is properly cooked and set.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 10 minutes to slightly firm up before slicing.
- Score Bars: Without removing the bars from the baking sheet, use a bench scraper or butter knife to slice the mixture into bars. Cut down the length in the center and then across into two rows of seven bars each, creating 14 bars total.
- Chill Bars: Place the baking sheet with the sliced bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or in the freezer for 5 minutes until completely chilled and firm.
- Separate and Decorate: Once chilled, separate the bars along the scored lines. If desired, drizzle with the optional melted dark chocolate and allow the chocolate to set. Serve immediately or store the bars in the refrigerator or freezer for freshness.
Notes
- For nut-free options, substitute nuts with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Ensure the coconut oil is completely melted and cooled slightly before mixing to prevent melting the chocolate prematurely.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use gluten-free rice cereal to make the recipe suitable for gluten intolerant diets.
- Drizzling with dark chocolate is optional but adds a rich flavor and attractive finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: cereal bar, homemade snack, nut bars, chocolate cereal bars, gluten free snack, healthy energy bar
