3 Ingredient Cereal Bars – The Ultimate Easy No-Bake Treat
Sometimes the most unforgettable recipes are born from simplicity, and these
3 Ingredient Cereal Bars are the perfect proof. With just three pantry staples,
you can create a chewy, crunchy, perfectly sweet snack that tastes like pure comfort.
Whether you need a quick breakfast bar, an after-school snack, or a
last-minute dessert, these cereal bars deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
No oven, no stress, and no long ingredient list—just a satisfying homemade treat that
everyone loves.
What makes this recipe truly irresistible is its versatility. You can customize it with
your favorite cereal, add-ins, or drizzle, yet the base remains beautifully simple.
These bars are nostalgic, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, making them a
go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients & Why Each One Matters
-
Cereal (4–5 cups) – The foundation of the bars. Crispy rice cereal creates
a light, classic texture, while cornflakes, Cheerios, or chocolate cereal add their
own personality. The cereal provides structure, crunch, and that satisfying bite. -
Marshmallows (4 cups) – These act as both the sweetener and the binder.
When melted, marshmallows create a gooey, stretchy mixture that coats every piece
of cereal and firms up beautifully as it cools. -
Butter (3 tablespoons) – Butter adds richness, depth of flavor, and helps
prevent the marshmallows from becoming overly sticky. It balances sweetness and
gives the bars that classic homemade taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
This ensures easy removal and clean slices later. -
Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Keep the heat gentle
to avoid browning, which could alter the flavor. -
Add the Marshmallows
Pour the marshmallows into the melted butter. Stir continuously until they are fully
melted and smooth. The mixture should look glossy and elastic. -
Fold in the Cereal
Remove the pan from heat and immediately add the cereal. Gently fold until every
piece is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. -
Press and Set
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly press it down using a spatula
or buttered hands—do not pack it too tightly or the bars will become dense. -
Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. Once set, lift them
out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
These easy cereal bars are adored because they strike the perfect balance between
effort and reward. They come together in under 10 minutes, use ingredients most people
already have, and deliver consistent results every time. Kids love them for their sweetness
and chewiness, while adults appreciate the nostalgia and convenience. They’re also ideal
for beginners, making them one of the most foolproof no-bake recipes available.
Pro Tips for Perfect 3 Ingredient Cereal Bars
- Low heat is key – High heat can make marshmallows tough instead of soft.
- Don’t over-press – Gently pressing keeps the bars chewy, not hard.
- Butter your tools – A buttered spatula or hands prevent sticking.
- Customize wisely – Add chocolate chips only after cooling slightly to avoid melting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these homemade cereal bars as a grab-and-go breakfast, tuck them into lunchboxes,
or pair them with a glass of cold milk for a comforting dessert. For a party platter, drizzle
with melted chocolate or cut into bite-sized squares. They also make excellent holiday treats
when wrapped individually.
Final Thoughts
These 3 Ingredient Cereal Bars prove that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated
steps or long ingredient lists. Simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable, they’re the kind of
recipe every home cook should have on hand. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they
remain a timeless favorite—easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for any occasion.