Easy, Healthy, Cereal Bars (3 Ingredients and Grain Free!)

I was sent a ton of really beautiful and tasty boxes of Love Bird cereal not too long ago, and the flavours, nutrition, and ingredients are really incredible. And while I've enjoyed many a bowl with the classic milk and some berries, I wanted to find a way to turn this cereal into a snack bar. Snacks are an important part of every day, and these cereal bars turned out so delicious I know I'm going to be making them again and again. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, peanut butter, cereal and maple syrup. I also added a pinch of sea salt, because I rarely make anything without adding a pinch of sea salt. 

You can make these cereal bars with any kind of cereal you like, I chose a chocolate cereal for this one because I love peanut butter and chocolate. Then you need a nut butter, and a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or brown rice syrup. They're incredibly easy to make, healthy, and perfect for kids or adults. 

I know I usually add a scoop of protein to everything, but today I was feeling all snack and no fluff. But I really think you could blend a scoop of good quality, light, protein powder into the mix when you're melting the peanut butter and maple syrup. 

 

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Why You'll Love These

They're great for kids and adults!

They're naturally gluten free (assuming your cereal is gluten free). 

Using a cereal brand like Love Bird adds to the nutritional profile with healthy ingredients in their cereal like cassava flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, coconut oil, vanilla, and sea salt. 

They couldn't be easier to make. 

They're customizable! Switch up the cereal or nut butter. Drizzle them with chocolate or sprinkles or add in some hemp seeds for a nutritional boost.  

What You'll Need

Cereal of your choosing. 

Any nut butter you like. I used peanut butter today, but I'm thinking almond butter next time!

A liquid sweetener like maple syrup or brown rice syrup. 

Vanilla extract is optional but would be a delicious here as well. 

Coarse sea salt. I think all sweet things need a pinch of salt to really make the sweetness pop.

Substitutions

You can really substitute anything here. Peanut butter for another nut butter. Cereal for any cereal you like. Vanilla extract could be almond extract or another preferred extract, or skipped altogether. 

 

Now Let's Visually See It All Come Together

Step One: You'll add the peanut butter and maple syrup to a pot, and warm on low heat mixing it into a syrup sauce.

Step Two: Add the cereal and sea salt. 

Step Three: Mix together really well and pour into a parchment lined pan.

Step Four: Press down flat into the pan. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. 

Please note: all macros and calories have been calculated to the best of my ability but may vary slightly. 

 

Healthy Cereal Bars 

Recipe makes 8 bars

Macros per bar:

208 cals - 8g fat - 30g carbs - 4g protein 

 

Ingredients

3 cups cereal, I use Love Bird Cocoa Cereal (grain free and paleo)

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup maple syrup 

1/4 tsp sea salt

 

Instructions

1. Prepare a small pan, 6 x 6 inches, by lining with parchment paper. You could also do a large loaf pan.
2. To a pot add peanut butter and maple syrup and warm on low heat. 
3. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes while the peanut butter and syrup mix together really well. 
4. Then in cereal and sea salt and mix through well. 
5. Pour the mixture into the parchment lined pan and press the bars down flat from edge to edge. 
6. Add the bars to the fridge for 2 hours to set. 
7. Once set remove from the fridge and slice into 8 squares. 
8. Enjoy!

 

Try These Other Snack Recipes Next

Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

Low Calorie Protein Cookie Dough 

 

Leave a comment below if you made these or how you made them your own! Your comments and reviews are so valuable and really help the blog grow, so thank you!