Description
This easy and delicious no-bake Cereal Bars recipe combines crispy rice cereal with melted marshmallows and butter to create a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for snacks or lunchboxes. Customize with mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Ready in just 15 minutes, these bars are a nostalgic favorite that’s kid-friendly and versatile.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal or your favorite breakfast cereal
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried fruit
- ½ cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside while you make the marshmallow mixture.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and salt. Stir constantly until the marshmallows have completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Combine with Cereal: Quickly add the crispy rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture and stir until every piece is fully coated for an even texture and sweetness.
- Fold in Optional Mix-ins: If you choose to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts, let the mixture cool for about a minute first. This prevents the chocolate chips from melting and keeps texture intact. Then gently fold them in.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the cereal mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper to press and spread the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until set. Once firm, cut into 12 bars and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
Notes
- For a more indulgent twist, drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or peanut butter before serving.
- Use gluten-free cereal to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Store cereal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness, best consumed within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
