3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Cereal Bars
These 3-ingredient peanut butter chocolate cereal bars are a breeze to whip up. And in addition to being incredibly tasty, they also give you a daily dose of whole grains!
Halloween is coming up quick and I’ve been hard at work creating healthier holiday snacks to share with you guys!
Rice Krispies treats were a favorite of mine growing up, so this year I decided to try a more nutritious (and flavorful) take on this popular crunchy dessert using the tasty new certified organic Love Crunch Cereal from Nature’s Path.
These bars require three simple ingredients: cereal, peanut butter, and a small amount of maple syrup.
You can use any cereal you like, but I chose to incorporate one that is not only scrumptious — hello, dark chocolate chunks — but also nutritious.
This whole grain cereal has 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per serving, making it a much healthier option compared to Rice Krispies, which completely lacks belly-filling, cancer-fighting fiber and only has one gram of protein per serving.
My bars also incorporate a delicious source of monounsaturated fat thanks to the creamy peanut butter, and they derive sweetness from a hint of maple syrup, skipping the butter and marshmallows found in your classic cereal bar recipe.
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. The no-bake technique is great for kids, making it a no-brainer for an easy, tasty Halloween treat.
It’s also a great dessert for cereal-loving adults like my husband who told me, “this is the best thing you’ve ever made.”
To that, I replied, “Well, it’s pretty much the easiest thing I’ve ever made and all the credit goes to the delicious cereal, but thank you for the compliment, I guess?”
Ready to try this super simple recipe yourself? Let’s get crunchin!
- 1 box cereal of choice (I used Love Crunch Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter)
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Warm peanut butter and maple syrup together in a medium-sized pot over low heat, or heat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir until liquid is smooth.
- Add cereal to the liquid and mix until thoroughly coated.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and add mixture, pressing into the bottom of the dish.
- Option to add melted chocolate drizzle by warming chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave together for about 30-40 seconds, mixing, then drizzling over the bars.
- Chill in the refrigerator or freezer for about 2 hours.
- Slice bars and serve immediately.
Bars are crumbly - eat with a napkin!
Looking for more healthy Halloween recipes? Try these! >>
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Weigh In: What are your favorite Halloween treats? Have you made cereal bars before?
*This post is sponsored by Nature’s Path but all opinions are my own. I thank you for supporting brand partnerships that keep this blog in business.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says:
i love those spooky treats. i will have to try these next week.
Kathryn Pfeffer says:
These cereal bars look amazing with the perfect chocolate drizzle! Also, your “spooky” treats could not be cuter!
Courtney Koch says:
I’m gonna find myself a gluten free cereal and make these asap!
Deryn | Running on Real Food says:
3-ingredients? Genius! I love a yummy, easy snack bar and that cereal is so good..I’ll have to try these. All those Halloween ideas are so cute and fun too…can’t believe it’s that time of year already though!!
Jessica @Small Bites by Jessica says:
You can’t go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate! Such a winning combo!
Rachel says:
These spooky treats are adorable! But those cereal bars have my heart. :)
Zhanna says:
Wow, it looks so easy to make. What I like most about this recipe is that it’s so healthy. Using dark chocolate is definitely a plus. Thank you for sharing this recipe. It’s really a perfect holiday treat.
http://www.morethandestination.com
Christine says:
Always a fan of chocolate and peanut butter! Love how easy and simple these are. Perfect for a delicious snack on-the-go!
Laura says:
What a great healthier treat! And you know I’m always up for the PB chocolate combo! ;) All of your halloween treats are just the cutest!
amanda -runtothefinish says:
optional chocolate drizzle?! mandatory!!! I love these easy treats that you can make when people are coming and still looks like you took a lot of time.
Shannon @ KISS in the Kitchen says:
OH my gosh, I absolutely love these treats!! They’re so cute and perfect for Halloween!
Emily | EmPowered Nutrition says:
These cereal bars are right up my alley! Love making my own snacks like this!
Jodi Robinson says:
This is perfect. I have about 5 boxes of unopened cereal that I don’t want to go to waste…hello chocolate PB bars!
Abbie Gellman says:
So simple and delicious! Looks great
Ushmana P . rai says:
Whitney! I am simply amazed just how crafty your dishes are, and the cereal bars with just 3 ingredients? genius! Very glad to have read your blog, keep sharing more! Love from Nepal! xx
Whitney English says:
Aw, thanks so much Ushmana! So cool to know that I’ve got support all the way in Nepal :)