Cereal Bars
on Apr 12, 2024, Updated Jun 17, 2025
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Looking for a simple and tasty snack that both toddlers and the whole family will love? Look no further than these homemade Cereal Bars! Made with just three ingredients and requiring no baking, these bars are quick to make and perfect for satisfying hunger cravings. Let’s dive into how to make this toddler-friendly snack and why they’re great for kids and families.
Why Cereal Bars are a Great Snack for Toddlers
- Nutritious Ingredients: Cheerios are a classic breakfast cereal that is low in sugar and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, making them a wholesome snack option for toddlers and family members.
- Protein and Fiber: Peanut butter adds a boost of protein and healthy fats, while the Cheerios provide fiber, helping to keep little tummies full and satisfied between meals.
- Quick and Easy: With just three simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, Cereal Bars are quick and convenient to make, perfect for busy parents and hungry toddlers.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize these bars by adding extras like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Portable Snack: These homemade Cereal Bars are perfect for on-the-go snacking. Pack them in lunchboxes, take them to the park, or enjoy them as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up wherever you are.
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups O cereal (Cheerios or Three Wishes Honey cereal)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
How to Make Homemade Cheerio Bars for Toddlers
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir until it is smooth and well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the cereal.
- Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture over the cereal and stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Transfer the cereal mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly until it is smooth and compacted.
- Refrigerate the Cereal Bars for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm and set.
- Once chilled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.
Substitutions
Cereal: Use any whole-grain dry cereal—Cheerios, rice puffs, or multigrain squares all work well. Swap to gluten-free cereal to make the bars gluten-free.
Nut Butter: Any smooth butter works—peanut, almond, or sunflower seed butter are great options.
Sweetener: Use honey or maple syrup; brown rice syrup or agave also work. Liquid sweeteners may need slightly more cereal to prevent sogginess.
Add-ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds (chia/flax), or lightly toasted coconut for extra flavor and texture.
Storing Extra Cheerio Bars
Any leftover Cereal Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can store them in the fridge for a week, they’ll hold their shape well. For longer storage, you can also freeze the bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Common Questions
Are these cheerio cereal bars gluten-free?
Yes—just use certified gluten-free cereal. Check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.
Can I substitution honey for something else for babies?
- Absolutely. Maple syrup, agave, or brown rice syrup all work—if using thinner liquid, add a bit more cereal to help bars hold together.
Are these cereal bars healthy?
- Homemade bars can be healthier than store-bought because you control the sugar and use whole-grain cereal and natural binders.
More Easy Toddler Snack Recipes
Cottage Cheese Muffins – Packed with protein from cottage cheese and made with just a few pantry staples, these soft and savory muffins are perfect for toddlers and easy to prep ahead. They make a nutritious breakfast, snack, or on-the-go option for busy families.
Peanut Butter Banana Bars – These chewy, naturally sweetened bars are made with ripe bananas, oats, and creamy peanut butter—no refined sugar, flour, or eggs required! A great make-ahead snack that toddlers and grown-ups will both love.
2-Ingredient Apricot Bars – With just dried apricots and coconut, these simple, no-bake bars are a naturally sweet, toddler-friendly snack you can prep in minutes. Great for on-the-go or as a no-added-sugar option for younger kids.
Yogurt Granola Bites – Creamy yogurt and crunchy granola come together in these freezer-friendly snack bites that toddlers love. They’re a fun, refreshing treat for warm days—and easy to customize with fruit, sprinkles, or chocolate chips.
Strawberry Granola Bars – These soft, homemade granola bars are filled with juicy strawberries, oats, and just the right touch of sweetness. They hold together beautifully and make a fun, fruity snack or breakfast bar for toddlers and older kids alike.
If you’re looking for a quick, wholesome treat, these easy cereal bars for toddlers are a total win. Let me know if you make them—tag me on Instagram @reallittlemeals so I can see your toddler snack creations!
Cereal Bars
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the Cheerios or 3 Wishes cereal. Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture over the cereal and stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Transfer the cereal mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly until it is smooth and compacted.
- Refrigerate the Cereal Bars for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm and set.
- Once chilled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can these be thawed in fridge?
Can you send the link to the dish you use?