Cereal Bar Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a wholesome, crunchy, and delightfully sweet snack that’s easy to make and even easier to love, this Cereal Bar recipe is going to be your new best friend. Packed with a vibrant mix of nuts, crisp rice cereal, and rich chocolate, every bite delivers a satisfying texture and a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast boost, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a homemade treat to share, these cereal bars shine with deliciousness and simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cereal Bar recipe comes down to a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that each play an important part in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony. From the crunchy nuts to the sticky honey and smooth chocolate, every component brings something special to the table.

• Raw unsalted nuts (3 cups): A combination of cashews, pecans, peanuts, and slivered almonds provides crunch, richness, and wonderful nutty depth.
• Unsweetened chocolate (3 ounces, chopped): Adds a deep cocoa flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.
• Crisp rice cereal (2 cups): This keeps the bars light and crunchy, and using gluten-free ensures everyone can enjoy them.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough salt to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
• Virgin coconut oil (3 tablespoons, melted and cooled): Gives a subtle tropical note and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Honey (3/4 cup): The natural sweetener that also helps hold the bars firmly in shape; you can mix with Lyle’s Golden Syrup if you want a richer taste.
• Dark chocolate (2 ounces, chopped and melted, optional): For drizzling on top, adding a luscious finishing touch and extra richness.

How to Make Cereal Bar

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 300°F. Line a quarter sheet pan (or a shallow rimmed 9 x 13-inch baking sheet) with unbleached parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup. Having everything ready upfront makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the raw nuts, chopped unsweetened chocolate, crisp rice cereal, and kosher salt. Give everything a good mix to evenly distribute the flavors and break up any large chunks of nuts or chocolate to ensure every bite is balanced.

Step 3: Add the Sweet and Sticky

Next, pour in the melted coconut oil along with honey (and Golden Syrup if using). Stir vigorously until the mixture comes together into a thick, sticky mass. This will act as the glue that holds your cereal bars together, so make sure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Press Into the Pan

Transfer your mixture to the prepared pan. Using another piece of parchment paper, press firmly and evenly to compact the mixture. This ensures your bars hold their shape and have that perfect chewiness we all love.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Remove the top parchment and place the pan in the oven’s center rack. Bake for about 20 minutes until the edges start to turn a lovely light brown and the mix bubbles slightly. This baking step intensifies the flavors and creates a wonderful toasted aroma in your kitchen.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Take the pan out and let it cool for 10 minutes at room temperature. Then, without removing it from the pan, carefully score the bars into your desired sizes using a bench scraper or butter knife. Allow them to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes or freeze for 5 minutes; this makes cutting and handling much easier.

Step 7: Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

For an irresistible finishing touch, drizzle the cereal bars with melted dark chocolate and let them set. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want to ramp up the indulgence factor.

How to Serve Cereal Bar

Garnishes

Sprinkle crushed nuts or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top after the chocolate drizzle sets for an extra pop of texture and flavor that brings out the nutty and sweet contrasts beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cereal bars pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad, a scoop of Greek yogurt, or even a creamy nut butter spread for a more substantial snack. They also work perfectly alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a quick energizing treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Cereal Bar into bite-sized pieces and serve on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chunks. It makes a lovely shareable snack platter that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled and set, keep your cereal bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, perfect for ready-made snacks during busy days.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and store them in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer your cereal bars a little softer, pop them in a low oven at 250°F for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. Just a heads-up: reheating melts the chocolate drizzle, so handle with care if you want to keep that pretty finish intact.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts in this Cereal Bar recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts or what you have on hand. Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds can add different textures and flavors to your bars.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?

Yes, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly option. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile but will still be delicious.

Can I use sweetened rice cereal instead?

While you can, using sweetened cereal will increase the overall sugar content. The recipe balances sweetness carefully, so unsweetened cereal is preferred to let the honey and chocolate shine without being overpowering.

How long do these bars stay fresh?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Cereal Bar will keep fresh and delicious for up to one week. Beyond that, the bars may start losing their crispness.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, you can replace the nuts with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even crispy chickpeas to maintain the crunch. Make sure to check that your cereal and other ingredients are also nut-free.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cereal Bar recipe enough if you love a snack that’s wholesome, tasty, and versatile. It’s so satisfying to make them yourself, knowing exactly what’s going in, and the flavor combination is absolutely wonderful. Whether for breakfast, a midday boost, or a quick dessert, these bars will quickly become a cherished treat in your kitchen. Give them a try and watch them disappear fast!

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