Protein Cereal Bars
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These protein cereal bars are made with 4 ingredients and NO baking needed. Each one packs over 15 grams of protein!
My cereal bars are one of the most popular snacks on the blog- both kids and adults love their wholesome, satisfying flavor and texture. After dozens of reader requests to make a higher-protein version, these protein cereal bars were born.
It took a little testing to get the proportions just right. I couldn’t just add protein powder to the original recipe and call it a day- it needed more syrup, less cereal, and the right protein powder. The version I’m sharing today nails it: crispy, crunchy, and packed with an impressive 15 grams of protein per serving.
Table of Contents
Why make my protein cereal bars recipe
- Just 4 ingredients. Like protein granola bars, each one can be customized, so you never have to have them the same way twice.
- Diet-friendly. Make them gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, or sugar-free if needed.
- Budget win. These bad boys come in at pennies on the dollar in comparison.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “Made it yesterday! It was so crunchy really. Amazing recipe!” – Mario
★★★★★ – “I used sunbutter and added unsweetened coconut instead of chocolate chips. They are fantastic!!!” – Laura
Key Ingredients
Here is what you’ll need to make these high-protein cereal bars. I’m also included some tested substitutions, so you have options:
- Dry cereal. I like to use Cheerios, but any simple cereal works. I did test this with gluten-free Cheerios to see if they were any different. Spoiler alert: they are the same.
- Vanilla protein powder. I like to use casein protein powder, but brown rice and pea protein also works. I don’t recommend whey protein, as it actually makes the bars sticky and loose.
- Nut butter. Any smooth, drippy nut butter works, like almond butter or peanut butter. I went with peanut butter because that’s what I had on hand but use your favorite.
- Brown rice syrup. I tested a few different liquid sweeteners and preferred the texture of brown rice syrup. You could use honey or agave if you like, but add one extra tablespoon since they’re not as sticky.
How to make protein cereal bars
Step 1- Mix. In a large bowl, combine the cereal and protein powder.
Step 2- Combine. Melt the nut butter with brown rice syrup, then pour it into the cereal mixture. Stir until just combined. Overmixing will crush the cereal.
Step 3- Refrigerate. Pour the bar mixture into the baking pan and press firmly into place. Top with chocolate chips if desired, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up (use the back of a spoon- it sets faster). Then, use a sharp knife to slice into bars.
Ways to change things up
I’ve made these for friends with nut allergies and my niece who won’t try anything remotely healthy. Here are some tested tweaks:
- Make them nut-free. Use seed butter like sunflower seed butter or tahini instead. I prefer sunbutter, as it adds a subtle caramel flavor.
- Cut the carbs. Use keto maple syrup, keto cereal, and sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Experiment with other mix-ins, like mini marshmallows, chopped-up candy, nuts, or dried fruit.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the fridge for up to two months.
To freeze: Wrap leftover bars in foil (so they don’t stick together) and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Protein Cereal Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cheerios or any dry cereal
- 1 1/3 cups vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or any nut or seed butter
- 1/2 cup brown rice syrup can sub for honey or agave, but add 1 extra tablespoon
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the cereal with protein powder until combined.
- In the microwave or stovetop, melt the nut butter with brown rice syrup and pour the mixture into the protein cereal mix and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent crushing the cereal.
- Transfer the cereal bar mixture into the lined baking tray and press firmly into place. Top with chocolate chips if desired and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Alternatively, freeze for 10-15 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice into bars.
Notes
- Protein powder: Casein, brown rice, or pea protein is ideal. I don’t recommend whey protein, as in testing, it made the bars sticky and loose.
Nutrition
More high protein snacks
- Snickers protein bar
- Homemade protein bars
- Cookie dough protein bars
- Protein balls
- Cinnamon protein bars
Originally published March 2016
Love these. I don’t have much time for cooking and this is an easy/quick healthy snack. I use dark chocolate which really makes these yummy. Thanks.
Thanks Joy!
Delicious! I actually just subbed a splash of maple syrup. Thanks!!
😀 YUM!!
Love your recipes! Easy no bake vegan treats, finally! Just wondering if you have any nutritional breakdowns for the recipes e.g. calories per serve for this one? 🙂
Thanks Daniella! For sure! If you go to myfitnspal and add the ingredients, it will give you a full breakdown! Enjoy!
Where do I find the nutritional value?
Hi Kourtney! If you go to myfitnesspal or another calorie calculator, it will provide it for you 🙂 Enjoy!
Oh these look delicious and reminded me of the cereal I used to eat when I was a little child – fruit loops 🙂
🙂 LOVE fruit loops!!
I wanna make these with honey nut cheerios and pour honey all over them.
YES DO IT!
Another winner, thank you!
🙂 you are so welcome, Pamela!
I would love to have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. I think one thing why I don’t order salads at a restaurant here is because they are always so boring. And they defnitely never own you. Yet after this salad mountain I wouldn’t have been able to eat cheesecake. Time for the dessert take-away 😀
I am horrible at packing. I just don’t have a system and so I play bloody tetris for forever. But I am the biggest worst procrasti-unpacker!
Omg. Hi from LAX!!!!!
I lost my jumper somewhere and the only stores here are GUCCI, BURBERRY AND FRED SEGAL. WTF!!!! I AM FREEZING
I am actually a little unhealthily obsessed with the texture of these bars. Like, what is this beautiful caramel coating?!?! I wish I could sink my teeth into these right now haha.
Hi Stephanie! It’s the combination of nut butter and brown rice syrup- It does look caramel like!
I don’t think it’s possible for me to go back to normal cocoa powder now, dark cocoa powder is a life-changer so I understand why you stoked up on that bae. I have a lonely box of cheerios sitting in my pantry from a few months ago just waiting to be eaten. So I think These cereal bars are happening soon plus maybe i’ll add some dark cocoa powder too bc the obsession continues <3
Haha love it.
I’m scared they might take it out of my suitcase…maybe I should have hid it under my towels.
After last week’s success with the 3 ingredient brownies…I need to try more of your recipes! Add this one to the list!
😀 Thanks Dani!
In middle school, I was a hardcore fan of Honey Nut Cheerios and Fruity Cheerios! But I like Love Grown Foods’ Power O’s as a substitute 🙂 anyways, I love that you’ve made such a healthy recipe with this cereal! The bars look so gooey and delicious! And I’ve been owned by plenty of salads before–wayyyyy too many for me to be able to count!
🙂 Thanks buddy! Hope YOU enjoyed these 🙂
These look WAYYY better than those cheerio cereal bars you can buy! Bravo!
😀 Thanks so much, Sarah!
These look really tasty Arman! Did you know that the General Mills Cheerios are all gluten free now? (I’m not sure if the chocolate are, but the rest are!!!) We were SO excited about that!
Hi Emily! That’s correct, although some gluten free folk are still a little suspicious so I used a brand which is strictly GF 🙂