Quick and Easy Maple & Oat Cereal Bars

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Whenever August hits, it feels like a mad rush of getting ready for back-to-school. And that includes what the kids will eat for breakfast. Something quick and easy, like cereal bars, works for us. Whether you use a cereal bar mold or a cake pan, these maple and oat cereal bars help speed up those mornings when we are running behind schedule or when I want to add a treat to their lunch.

Healthy Cereal Bars Please

Not only did I want a cereal bar that was nut free, I did not want to make a cereal bar with lots of added sugars. I really wanted to make a bar that I could feel good about using for breakfast. What I like about making cereal bars is that I can really incorporate any cereal I have on-hand, which is a great way to use up cereal that doesn’t quite make up a full bowl. For this recipe, I added some oatmeal for a little fiber, along with dried milk for some protein.

Ingredient Line-Up

Cereal – rice krispies and cheerios work best, but any cereal you have on hand is ok.
Quick or Rolled Oats – oats add fiber and additional texture to the cereal bar.
SunButter – keeping things peanut and tree-nut free, this recipe uses SunButter; however any “nut” butter works if nut allergies are not a concern.
Maple Syrup – less processed than granulated sugar, maple syrup is a better option for adding some sweetness to the bars.
Vanilla – while pure vanilla extract is a better option for enhancing the flavors in no-bake treats, imitation vanilla extract will work, too.
Nonfat Dry Milk – adds a source of protein and vitamins to the cereal bar.
Chocolate Chips – adds flavor and sweetness to the cereal bars.

Tools Needed

Bar Mold or Baking Pan (13×9) – you can use a cereal bar mold or a baking pan that has defined square corners. The advantage of the mold is that cereal portions are already defined for you and there is no cutting involved; however a baking pan works just as well.
Parchment Paper – if using a baking pan, lining the pan with parchment paper has two benefits here: easier removal of the bars and easier cleanup. While I prefer using pre-cut parchment paper, it may be easier to store a roll of parchment paper.
Large Bowl – I use microwave-safe mixing bowls for melting ingredients and stainless steel bowls for measuring ingredients.
Saucepan – you can skip the microwave and melt the SunButter and syrup in a small 1-quart saucepan on the stove.
Measuring Cups – use dry measuring cups for the cereal(s) and such while using a liquid measuring cup for the wet ingredients, like maple syrup.
Measuring Spoons – use measuring spoons for those smaller measurements, like vanilla.
Spatula – use a spatula to mix all ingredients together.
Cutting Board – protect your counter by using a cutting board if you used a baking pan and need to cut the cereal bars.
Knives – if you need to cut bars, do so carefully with a large knife. These kid-safe nylon knives are great if the kids are cutting the bars themselves.

So What Do You Think?

Overall, that was pretty easy to make. If you are looking for another bar to make, check out these Nut-Free Granola Bars. If you’re looking for a healthy after school snack idea, then check out these Nut-Free Energy Bites or these Three Easy Kid-Approved Snacks for even more ideas.