3-Ingredient Cereal Bars: the Easy, No-Bake Recipe for a Crunchy and Delicious Breakfast Snack

Who says healthy snacks have to be complicated?  These 3-Ingredient Cereal Bars are the perfect solution for busy mornings, after-school hunger pangs, or any time you need a quick and satisfying bite.  The best part? You only need three pantry staples: your favorite breakfast cereal, honey for sweetness, and melted chocolate to hold it all together. No fancy equipment or baking skills are required! Just mix, press, and chill – it's that easy. So ditch the processed snacks and whip up a batch of these wholesome and delicious cereal bars in minutes!

What Are Cereal Bars?

The humble 3-ingredient cereal bar, made with just cereal, honey, and chocolate, might seem like a recent invention. But the concept of a portable, energy-dense bar with a long shelf life has roots surprisingly far back! The idea of a compressed food bar for travelers and soldiers dates back centuries. Ancient civilizations used dried fruits and nuts pressed together for sustenance on journeys.

Fast forward to the 20th century, the concept evolved with the rise of commercially produced cereal bars. In 1904, Quaker Oats introduced "Quaker Oats Cereal Bars," essentially oats and corn syrup pressed together, emphasizing convenience and nutrition. During World War II, the need for portable, energy-rich snacks for soldiers became paramount. These bars, often made with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, gained immense popularity.

After the war, the concept of cereal bars transitioned to civilian life. Companies began incorporating popular breakfast cereals like Rice Krispies into their recipes, leading to the familiar treats we know today.

This 3-ingredient cereal bar is a simplified version of these earlier creations.  It makes use of the inherent sweetness and texture of breakfast cereal, binds it with honey for natural sweetness, and adds a decadent touch with melted chocolate.  It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying snack.

Tips

• For the best texture, opt for drier cereals that hold their shape well. Flakes, puffs, and even some oat clusters work great.
• The size of your cereal chunks can impact the bar's texture. You can pulse the cereal in a food processor for a bit of variation, with some larger pieces for a bit of crunch and some finer crumbs for binding. Avoid over-processing into a powder.
• Don't throw away those half-empty cereal boxes! They're perfect candidates for these bars.
• While any honey will work, consider the flavor profile. Lighter honey like clover offers a mild sweetness, while darker buckwheat honey adds a richer, more complex flavor.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice but feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Use a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to firmly press the cereal mixture into your baking pan. A tight pack ensures the bars hold their shape well when cut.
• Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up after the bars have chilled.
• Allow the bars to chill completely in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before cutting. This allows the chocolate and honey to solidify, resulting in clean cuts and a firmer texture.

What Kind Of Cereal Can I Use?

Dryer cereals that hold their shape well work best. Flakes, puffs, and some oat clusters are good options. Avoid very sugary cereals or those that are already soft and crumbly.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Sweetener Besides Honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar (melted with a little butter) in equal amounts. However, the taste and texture may vary slightly.

Do I Have To Use Milk Chocolate?

No, feel free to experiment with different chocolate types like dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even white chocolate for a sweeter flavor.

Can I Add Anything Else To These Bars?

Yes, you can. Here are some ideas:

• Nuts (chopped peanuts, almonds, etc.)
• Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates)
• Mini marshmallows
• Shredded coconut

How Can I Make These Bars Healthier?

1. Use a whole-grain cereal for added fiber.
2. Choose a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
3. Add chopped nuts and dried fruit for extra nutrients.

Is There A Way To Make These Bars Without A Microwave?

Yes! You can melt the chocolate and honey in a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heat-resistant bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Add the chocolate and honey to the bowl and stir constantly until melted and smooth.

Can I Freeze These Cereal Bars?

Absolutely! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bars at room temperature or in the fridge until they reach the desired consistency.

How Do These Cereal Bars Stick Together?

These cereal bars stick together due to the melted milk chocolate and honey mixture, which acts as a binding agent. When mixed with the cocoa cereals and pressed into the mold, the sticky mixture holds the ingredients together, and the chilling process in the fridge helps solidify the bars, ensuring they stay intact.

More Cereal Bars Recipes

Classic Cereal Bars

No-Bake Granola Bars

Chocolate Crunch Bars

Peanut Butter Rice Krispies

Mars Squares

How To Store Cereal Bars

Wrap leftover bars in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How To Make 3 Ingredient Cereal Bars

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate and honey. Microwave in short bursts (around 30 seconds each) stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

Pour the cereal into a large bowl. Add the melted chocolate and honey mixture.

Stir well to coat the cereal evenly.

Transfer the cereal mixture to an 18-cm (6-inch) square baking pan lined with parchment paper (for easy removal). Press the mixture firmly with a spoon to ensure it's evenly packed.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.

Remove the chilled bars from the pan and cut them into desired sizes using a sharp knife.

Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch, and serve.