Holiday No Bake Cereal Bar
The holiday season brings with it a wave of warmth, cheer, and delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive Holiday No Bake Cereal Bar? Imagine biting into a sweet, crunchy bar sprinkled with vibrant holiday colors—it’s pure bliss. The aroma of creamy peanut butter blended with sweet chocolate is enough to evoke memories of joyful gatherings and cozy nights. I remember making these delightful bars with my family, laughter filling the room as we mixed in the sprinkles and chocolate. It’s a tradition that has stuck, as each bite lights up the spirit of the season. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready because this recipe is a breeze to whip up and is sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday festivities.
Table of Contents
Why This Is The Best Holiday No Bake Cereal Bar Recipe
This Holiday No Bake Cereal Bar is a delightful treat you’ll adore for so many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare—whip it up in just 10 minutes! Packed with enticing flavors like creamy peanut butter and a rich chocolate finish, your taste buds are in for a treat. Just imagine the colorful sprinkles dancing atop each bar, making these treats not only delicious but eye-catching too. They fit perfectly into any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, a sweet snack, or a dessert at a festive potluck. Plus, this recipe can easily accommodate dietary preferences if you’re looking for gluten-free or dairy-free options. You’re likely to fall in love with its vibrant charm and delicious taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crispy Rice Cereal (6 cups): This cereal provides the base for that delightful crunch. It’s light and airy, making it perfect for balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. Be sure to use a brand that’s fresh for the best texture.
Holiday Sprinkles (¾ cup): These add pops of color and festive flair, bringing a joyous sparkle to your bars. You can go for traditional red and green or get creative with unique themes!
Light Corn Syrup (1 cup): This sticky sweetener acts as a binding agent, helping everything hold together while adding a hint of sweetness. If you prefer a natural alternative, honey could work, although it will slightly change the flavor.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): A straightforward sweetener that enhances the overall flavor. If you’re watching sugar intake, you could experiment with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): Choose a high-quality shelf-stable creamy peanut butter that is fully blended for a smooth consistency. Feel free to swap it out with almond butter for a nutty twist.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): This not only adds complexity to the flavor but also enhances the overall sweetness of the bars, making them even more delectable.
Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference. This contributes a rich chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate could work as a great alternative if you want a less sweet option.
Shelf-Stable Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): This ingredient is used to achieve a creamier texture when combined with the melted chocolate chips. It’s a nice touch that elevates the overall mouthfeel.
Additional Holiday Sprinkles (½ cup): These are reserved for topping your bars to ensure they’re irresistibly festive and ready to impress your guests!
How to Make Holiday No Bake Cereal Bar
Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the light corn syrup and granulated sugar. Stir consistently until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, a glorious bubble forming on the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once boiling, allow it to bubble for another minute without stirring. You’ll know it’s ready when a rich, syrupy substance has formed—this sugary concoction will bind your bars beautifully. Remove from the heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until completely smooth.
Add Cereal and Chocolate
Now, grab your crispy rice cereal and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle your warm syrup mixture over the cereal, using a spatula to fold it all together. Be gentle but firm, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. In a separate bowl, melt your chocolate chips in the microwave at 30-second intervals until fully melted and smooth. Once melted, mix in the shelf-stable creamy peanut butter until it’s combined. Pour this luscious chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until you’re left with a chocolatey, crunchy mixture.
Press and Refrigerate
Next, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to make transferring your bars easier. Pour all that glorious cereal-chocolate mixture into the prepared dish. Using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased to avoid sticking), press the mixture down firmly. You want it compact but be cautious not to squish it too hard! After leveling out the top, sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles generously over the surface. Allow the bars to set in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until they’re firm enough to cut.
Cut and Serve
Once chilled, remove the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 24 squares. The bars should hold together beautifully, and you’ll want to make sure they’re evenly cut for perfect portions. You’re now ready to serve up an impressive, festive treat that brings joy to young and old alike!
Tips for Success
- Avoid over-mixing: When incorporating the cereal with the syrup, mix just until combined; over-mixing can lead to mushy bars.
- Ensure your ingredients are measured accurately to maintain texture. A kitchen scale can be beneficial for precise measurements.
- For the best texture, let the bars cool completely before cutting; if they’re too warm, they may crumble.
- Experiment with toppings! Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for an extra crunch or flavor kick.
Serve It With
These delightful Holiday No Bake Cereal Bars shine on their own, but you can elevate the presentation by dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa to bring out the festive flavors. They make lovely treats for holiday brunch spreads or dessert tables, and they’re perfect for lunchbox surprises!
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
These bars are a make-ahead dream! Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for about 2 weeks. For extended storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. To enjoy them after freezing, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also microwave them for a few seconds to soften a bit, just be careful not to overheat!
Tips & Variations
Consider switching up the flavors with a touch of festive spice—holiday flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth. For a unique twist, try replacing the sprinkles with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different texture. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the crispy rice cereal with gluten-free cereal. You can also make it vegan by using maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips. Lastly, feel free to mix in seasonal candy like peppermint bark for a holiday flair.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made up to a week ahead. Just ensure they are stored properly to keep their fresh taste.
What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your bars crumble when cutting, it may be due to not enough binding ingredients. Next time, consider increasing the corn syrup slightly to help hold the bars together better.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To amp up the chocolate flavor, try drizzling melted chocolate over the top or mixing in additional chocolate chips within the cereal mixture.
Can I use other nut butters?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sun butter if you need a nut-free option. Each will impart a unique flavor to your bars.
In conclusion, these Holiday No Bake Cereal Bars are not only a joy to make but also perfect for sharing during the festive season. With their delightful flavors and charming appearance, you’ll find they quickly become a go-to recipe in your holiday baking repertoire. Enjoy the process and don’t hesitate to make them your own. Happy holidays!
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📖 Recipe Card
Holiday No Bake Cereal Bar
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Holiday No Bake Cereal Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make sweet treat filled with creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and vibrant holiday sprinkles. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Crispy Rice Cereal (6 cups)
- Holiday Sprinkles (¾ cup)
- Light Corn Syrup (1 cup)
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup)
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups)
- Shelf-Stable Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup)
- Additional Holiday Sprinkles (½ cup)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix corn syrup and sugar over medium heat until boiling, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
- In a bowl, mix crispy rice cereal with syrup mixture until evenly coated.
- Melt chocolate chips and mix with additional peanut butter, then stir into the cereal.
- Press mixture into a lined baking dish and top with holiday sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes, then cut into squares.
Notes
For best texture, let bars cool completely before cutting.
Feel free to customize sprinkles or add nuts for extra flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
