3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cereal Energy Bites

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Made with simple, everyday ingredients
• No-bake and quick to prepare
• Short hands-on time
• Great as a snack or a healthier dessert option

Ingredients and substitutions

Below are notes about the main ingredients. The full ingredient list and instructions appear in the recipe card.

Peanut butter – Use natural, creamy peanut butter for the best texture and flavor. To make these nut-free, substitute cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or another allergy-friendly spread, noting that the flavor will change.

Toasted oat cereal – Plain gluten-free oat cereals (Cheerios-style) work well and add whole grains, fiber, and some protein. Choose a certified gluten-free brand if you need to avoid gluten.

Maple syrup – Pure maple syrup is the binder that holds the bites together and keeps the recipe refined sugar–free. If you don’t need this to be vegan, honey can be used instead.

Chocolate (optional) – A drizzle of melted chocolate or vegan chocolate chips adds a finishing touch. Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate to keep the sweetness balanced.

Gluten-free toasted oat cereal options

Examples of gluten-free oat cereals that work similarly to Cheerios:

• Love Grown Power O’s
• Nature’s Path Whole O’s
• Seven Sundays Oat Protein Cereal
• Three Wishes Grain-Free Cereal
• Forager Project Grain-Free O’s

Many grocery stores and online retailers carry similar options. For celiac disease or severe sensitivity, look for a certified gluten-free label.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a large baking sheet. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine maple syrup and peanut butter. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Put the cereal in a medium bowl and pour the warm peanut butter mixture over it. Stir gently until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion the coated cereal into small mounds on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least two hours to set. If you like, melt chocolate and drizzle it over the bites, then return them to the fridge until the chocolate hardens.

Recipe tips

• The coated cereal will be slightly sticky — a cookie scoop helps make uniform mounds.
• Chilling longer firms the bites and makes them less fragile.
• If packing these in a lunch, include an ice pack; the bites will soften or melt at warm temperatures.

How to store

Keep the cereal bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

More gluten-free cereal treats

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