Gluten-Free Maple Cereal Bars
By Amanda Paa – Updated June 26, 2022
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Cereal can do no wrong in my books. Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner – it works.
For the lazy days. The ‘too hot to cook” days. And “there’s nothing in the house to eat” days.
I used to love these milk and cereal bars for on-the-go days. That was in my college days, when I didn’t know or care much about ingredients. I just needed fuel. Today, nourishing ingredients are at the top of my food priorities, and it’s no secret that the processed bars you find in the grocery store are lacking in the nutrition department.
So we’re making our own cereal bars, that are no-bake, wholesome, and easy to pack. They’re the kind of bars that you can take on a road trip, hike, cross country flight, or right at home. They hold together well (a key component in a travel friendly snack), and are just the right amount of sweet.
Not quite dessert, but not boring health bar either.
They’re #teamgoodfat x 2– walnuts and walnut butter, supplying a rich source of plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.5 grams/ounce) and a tasty crunch too. And because walnuts and dark chocolate are one of the best duos, I added a few chocolate chips too that melt from the warmth of the liquid coating.
Ingredients for Cereal Bars:
The bars are naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and brown rice syrup binds them together, also keeping them soft and chewy. Quick oats are included as well, for a little extra staying power. If you want extra protein, try these Peanut Butter Protein Bars.
For the cereals, you can use any kind of rice crisps and oat cereal, but I prefer this brand. Just make sure what you’re buying is plain and unsweetened, and that they are gluten-free. they are plain, not the sweetened variety and that they are gluten-free.
More Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes:
- Extra Clumpy, Giant Cluster Granola
- Really Chewy, No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
- Homemade Gluten Free Pancake Recipe
Yield: 12 bars
SCALE:
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup toasted walnuts (64 grams)
- 1 1/4 cups brown rice crisps (45 grams)
- 1 cup plain oat cereal, like these Sprouted O’s
- 1/2 cup quick oats (40 grams)
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon walnut butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine walnuts, brown rice crisps, oat cereal, quick oats, and chocolate chips in a bowl.
- Over medium heat, bring walnut butter, maple syrup, brown rice, and salt to a quick simmer. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour over dry ingredients. Stir quickly, coating all ingredients.
- Pour into an 8×8 inch pan, circle or square, and use the back of a measuring cup to firmly press down and spread out evenly. You want the bars to be tightly packed.
- Let sit for 1 1/2 hours before cutting. Store in a sealed container, for up to five days.
Did you make this?
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July 14, 2018
Alyse
February 28, 2023
Our family loves these! Breakfast, lunch and snack worthy! Thank you for your creativity!
Amanda Paa
February 28, 2023
So glad your family enjoys them, Alyse!
Heidi @foodiecrush
July 19, 2018
Good fats = happy fats = happy me. These look awesome. Thx for the idea!
amandapaa
July 20, 2018
amen! also, walnut butter is SO.DARN.GOOD.