Healthy Breakfast Cereal Bars: Easy 3 Ingredient Recipe!

Are you constantly rushing out the door in the morning with no time for breakfast? Or perhaps you’re looking for nutritious snack options that your kids will actually eat? Breakfast Cereal Bars might be the perfect solution! These simple, customizable treats combine the goodness of your favorite cereals with wholesome ingredients to create portable, nutritious snacks that work for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or after-school hunger pangs. The best part? Our recipe requires just 3 ingredients and minimal prep time!

Ingredients List

• 4 cups of your favorite breakfast cereal (whole grain options like Cheerios, Rice Krispies, or Chex work wonderfully)
• 1/3 cup natural honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options)

Optional add-ins:

• 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons chia or flax seeds for added nutrition
• 1/4 cup dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or cinnamon for enhanced flavor

Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Setting time: 30-60 minutes (refrigerated)
• Total time: Under 1.5 hours

This recipe saves you at least 20 minutes compared to traditional baked breakfast bar recipes, with no oven required!

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly spray with cooking oil if your mixture tends to stick.

Step 2: Warm The Binding Ingredients

In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently warm the nut butter and honey together, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat once melted. Pro tip: Don’t overheat this mixture or it will harden your cereal!

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Add your cereal to a large mixing bowl, then pour the warm nut butter mixture over it. Gently fold everything together until all cereal pieces are evenly coated. If using any add-ins, fold them in now while the mixture is still warm.

Step 4: Press And Set

Transfer your mixture to the prepared pan, pressing down firmly with the back of a measuring cup or spatula to create compact, even bars. The more firmly you press, the better your bars will hold together!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 bar, recipe makes 12):

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fats: 8g
• Vitamins: B-vitamins and iron (varies based on cereal choice)

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Lower sugar option: Use sugar-free cereals and reduce honey to 1/4 cup
• Gluten-free version: Choose certified gluten-free cereals like gluten-free Chex
• Vegan adaptation: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar
• Protein boost: Add 2 tablespoons of protein powder to the warm binding mixture

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these versatile Breakfast Cereal Bars with a glass of milk, alongside fresh fruit, or paired with yogurt for a complete breakfast. For lunchboxes, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and secure with twine for an Instagram-worthy presentation kids will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using too little binding agent: If your bars crumble, you likely need more honey and nut butter.
2. Skipping the firm pressing step: Don’t rush this crucial step—compact bars hold together better.
3. Cutting bars while warm: Allow proper setting time in the refrigerator before cutting.
4. Using very sugary cereals: These can make bars overly sweet and may not hold together as well.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Breakfast Cereal Bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze individual bars for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal prep Sunday—make a double batch and enjoy hassle-free breakfasts all week!

Conclusion

These simple yet versatile breakfast cereal bars prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just 3 basic ingredients and endless customization options, you can create nutritious, kid-approved snacks that work for busy mornings and hungry afternoons alike. Give this recipe a try this weekend and let us know in the comments which cereal and mix-ins are your family’s favorites!

FAQs

• Can I use granola instead of breakfast cereal?
  Yes! Granola makes an excellent substitute, though you may need slightly more binding ingredients as granola is usually heavier than cereal.
• How do I know if my bars will hold together?
  The mixture should be sticky enough that it clumps in your hand when pressed. If it seems too dry, add a bit more honey or nut butter.
• Can I make these nut-free for school lunches?
  Absolutely! Sunflower seed butter makes an excellent nut-free alternative with similar binding properties.
• Is there a way to make these bars without any added sweeteners?
  Try using mashed ripe banana as a natural sweetener instead of honey. You’ll need about one medium banana to replace 1/3 cup honey.