Cereal Bars with Dried Cherries, Almonds, and Coconut

These healthier no-bake cereal bars packed with good stuff like dried cherries, unsweetened coconut, sliced almonds, honey, and almond butter make the best after-school or afternoon snack!

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings square bars

Calories 110

Author Annalise Sandberg

Ingredients

4 cups crispy rice or puffed cereal (100 grams), see Notes
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (50 grams)
1/2 cup sliced almonds (43 grams)
1/2 cup dried cherries (71 grams)
1/2 cup unsweetened shaved or flaked coconut (56 grams)
1/3 cup honey (112 grams)
1/3 cup coconut oil (70 grams) or butter (75 grams)
1/4 cup brown or demerara sugar (105 grams)
1/3 cup almond butter (120 grams) or peanut butter (135 grams) , not natural-style
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ - ½ cup chocolate chunks (42-85 grams), optional

Instructions

In a large bowl combine the cereal, oats, almond, cherries and coconut.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, coconut oil or butter, and sugar. Bring to a boil and let boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in almond or peanut butter and vanilla extract.
Pour over cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Press into a lightly greased 9x13-inch pan. If desired, press chocolate chops into the top of the bars.
Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

NOTES:

I like to use a combination of cereal. I used 2 cups crispy rice cereal and 2 cups Kashi seven grain puffs cereal, but you can use all crispy rice or all puffed cereal if you'd like.
Natural-style almond and peanut butters will prevent these bars from firming up. For best results, use a no-stir option.

Inspired by Bon Appetit magazine.

Nutrition