If you’re craving a sweet treat that checks every box for easy, nostalgic, and totally irresistible, look no further than these Cereal Bars. Packed with chewy marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and a buttery finish, each bite practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for an after-school snack, an on-the-go breakfast, or a classic party dessert, these bars hit all the right notes with just a handful of ingredients and practically zero effort—pure comfort wrapped up in a golden square.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these bars lies in their simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table, balancing flavor, texture, and that signature gooey bite. No fancy steps or trips to specialty stores required, just pantry staples that come together in minutes!

Crispy rice cereal: The backbone of Cereal Bars—light, airy, and delightfully crunchy.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible, glossy marshmallow coating.
Mini marshmallows: Bring all the sweetness and gooey magic you want in every single bite.
Vanilla extract: A small splash gives the bars a warm, bakery-style aroma and taste.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance every flavor.

How to Make Cereal Bars

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by setting a large saucepan over low heat and adding your unsalted butter. Let it gently melt, swirling the pan now and then for even melting. This little bit of patience really helps bring out the butter’s rich flavor—well worth the wait for your Cereal Bars.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows

Toss in the mini marshmallows and stir continuously with a sturdy spoon or spatula. Keep going until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth with no lumps left. Low heat is your friend here to keep everything ultra-silky, not scorched.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt

Once off the heat, immediately stir in your vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. It’ll bubble up a little—totally normal! These two tiny additions really round out the flavor, keeping the bars from tasting overly sweet.

Step 4: Stir in the Cereal

Pour your crispy rice cereal straight into the saucepan and gently fold everything together. It might look like it won’t mix at first, but keep going—you want every piece coated for that chewy-crispy magic only Cereal Bars can deliver.

Step 5: Shaping and Cooling

Quickly transfer the whole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Use a spatula, wax paper, or even damp hands to press the mixture down evenly. This step is a bit of a race against time, as the marshmallow mixture sets fast! Let it cool all the way before slicing into perfect squares.

How to Serve Cereal Bars

Garnishes

There’s no rule saying you can’t bump your Cereal Bars up a notch! Try a fine drizzle of melted chocolate, a shower of colored sprinkles, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that sweet-salty twist.

Side Dishes

These bars are honestly fabulous on their own—but if you’re making a spread, pair them with fresh fruit, a mug of hot chocolate, or scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an eye-catching dessert platter everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond plain squares: cut your Cereal Bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters, wrap them in wax paper and tie with twine for party favors, or skewer cubes onto sticks for a playful twist at bake sales or kids’ birthdays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your freshly made bars in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to four days. If you’re layering them, use sheets of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their chew for up to two months—just let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating

While Cereal Bars are best enjoyed at room temp, you can pop one in the microwave for 5–8 seconds if you want to recapture that just-made gooeyness. Don’t overdo it or they can harden on the edges.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! Just chop them up a little for easier melting, and measure the same total weight—around 10 ounces. Stir a bit longer to get them fully smooth.

What if my bars turn out hard?

Hard bars usually happen if the marshmallow mixture cooks too long or at too high a temperature. Melt slowly, mix gently, and don’t overwork the cereal once it’s added for the softest Cereal Bars.

How can I add extra flavor or texture?

Stir in a handful of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or dried fruit before pressing into the pan, or try a light dusting of cinnamon for a twist. Your Cereal Bars can be personalized in endless ways!

Are Cereal Bars gluten-free?

Provided your crispy rice cereal is certified gluten-free and you use marshmallows and vanilla extract without additives, these can easily be made gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?

Substitute plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows to make tasty dairy-free or vegan Cereal Bars—just know texture may vary slightly depending on your brands of ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Cereal Bars enough—they’re the perfect blend of easy and crowd-pleasing, and always bring a smile wherever you serve them. Gather your ingredients, stir up a batch, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Cereal Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These homemade cereal bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Made with crispy rice cereal and gooey marshmallows, these bars are a classic favorite for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

4 cups crispy rice cereal
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
Add Flavorings: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Mix with Cereal: Add the crispy rice cereal and gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Press into Pan: Quickly transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan and press down evenly with a spatula or wax paper.
Cool and Cut: Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or dried fruit.
To make them more festive, drizzle melted chocolate over the top once cooled.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop and No-Bake
Cuisine: American