Nutritious & Super Easy Oatmeal Cereal Bars (No-Bake!)
Whip Up Super Simple, Nutrient-Packed Oatmeal Cereal Bars Without an Oven!
Feeling peckish while managing your diet? Need a quick snack for the kids’ after-school activities? Or perhaps a quick bite when you skip breakfast? Make a batch of these incredibly nutritious cereal bars once a week, and you’ll have healthy, homemade snacks ready to go for the entire week! Start with your favorite cereal or granola as a base, then add a variety of dried fruits and nuts you have on hand to create your personalized cereal bars. Enjoy a boost of nutrition and delicious flavor!
Ingredients
- 140g Cereal or Granola (use your favorite kind)
- 40g Rolled Oats
- 80g Mixed Dried Fruits and Nuts (e.g., cranberries, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, flaxseeds, cacao nibs – customize to your liking)
- 150g Marshmallows
- 30g Unsalted Butter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, select your preferred cereal or granola from what you have at home. Feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts to your personal taste! (For example, I like to mix cranberries, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, flaxseeds, and cacao nibs. Experiment with your favorite combinations!)
Step 2
In a small saucepan, melt the 30g of unsalted butter over very low heat. It’s crucial to melt it slowly to prevent it from burning.
Step 3
Once the butter is fully melted, add the 150g of marshmallows. Continue to melt them over very low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning. Stir until the marshmallows are completely dissolved and form a smooth, sticky liquid.
Step 4
Turn off the heat once the marshmallows are completely melted. Immediately add the prepared cereal (or granola), rolled oats, and the mixed dried fruits and nuts into the saucepan. Use a spatula to quickly stir everything together. The key is to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Step 5
You’ll know it’s well mixed when all the ingredients are coated evenly with the sticky marshmallow sauce, forming a cohesive, clumpy mass. Stir until the cereal and nuts are bound together.
Step 6
Pour the mixed cereal mixture into a prepared square pan (or any shape of your choice), preferably lined with parchment paper or a baking mat. Spread it evenly across the pan.
Step 7
Before the mixture cools and hardens, put on disposable gloves and use your hands (or a spatula) to firmly press down and flatten the top surface. This step is essential for creating neatly cut bars and ensuring they set firmly.
Step 8
Allow the cereal bar mixture to set at room temperature for about 1 hour. If you’re in a warm climate or in a hurry, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes until firm. Patience is key for a good set!
Step 9
Once the cereal bars have firmed up, use a sharp knife to cut them into your desired serving sizes. Typically, this recipe yields about 10-12 bars. For easy snacking on the go, wrap each bar individually in small plastic bags. Enjoy your delicious, homemade healthy treats!
