Name: 3‑Ingredient Cereal Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups whole grain O cereal (such as Cheerios); 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free); 1/2 cup honey

Why You’ll Love 3‑Ingredient Cereal Bars Recipe

Ready super quickly — just mix and chill.
Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
Kid‑friendly and customizable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup smooth natural peanut butter (or any smooth nut/seed butter)
½ cup honey or brown rice syrup
3½ cups O cereal like Cheerios
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

Line an 8×8‑inch pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
In a large heat‑safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave briefly (15–30 seconds) if needed to soften and stir to combine.
Add the cereal (and vanilla if using) and gently stir until everything is coated.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes until set.
Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into bars.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 16 bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes

Variations

You can easily adapt this base recipe:

Use almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut‑free version.
Swap the cereal for other crispy options like Rice Krispies.
Add mix‑ins like dried fruit, seeds, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store cereal bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator — they hold their shape best when cold. Wrapped individually, they can last about 5–7 days in the fridge. You can also freeze bars for longer storage (up to a few months) and thaw before serving.

FAQs

What type of cereal works best?

Crisp cereals like Cheerios or store‑brand O’s work well because they stay crunchy and help the bars hold their shape.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Maple syrup is thinner and less sticky, so the bars may not hold together as well. Brown rice syrup is a better alternative if you want less sweetness.

How do I keep the bars from falling apart?

Press the mixture firmly into the pan and keep the bars cold — chilling helps them set and stay together.

Can these be gluten‑free?

Yes, use a certified gluten‑free cereal like gluten‑free Cheerios.

Is it possible to make these without peanut butter?

Yes — try sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Can I add chocolate or other flavors?

Yes, after chilling you can drizzle melted chocolate or mix in ingredients like dried fruit or seeds.

Are these healthy?

Homemade bars let you control ingredients and sugar content, making them often healthier than store‑bought granola bars.

How long do they last at room temperature?

They soften at room temperature, so it’s best to keep them chilled until serving.

Can kids help make these?

Yes, kids can help stir and press the mixture (with supervision).

What’s the best way to serve these?

Serve cold straight from the fridge — they’re a great snack or quick breakfast with milk or yogurt.

Conclusion

These 3‑Ingredient Cereal Bars are a fast, simple, and versatile homemade snack. With basic ingredients and minimal effort, you get a nutritious treat that’s perfect for kids — and adults — any time of day.