a.k.a. the empty-your-cabinets-and-throw-it-all-in treats. Or the feeling-lazy-but-want-snacks treats. Or the hey-look-I-cleaned-out-the-pantry-and-found-marshmallows treats.
Take your pick.
Talk about quick and easy! This one whips up in no time and is so, SO adaptable. I love Rice Krispie treats, but as far as nutrition goes...kind of lacking, right? Not exactly a substantial afternoon snack to hold you over at work. This batch of cereal treats however passes the work snack (and taste) test with flying colors.
The quantity of crisped rice cereal that would have been used in this recipe (3 cups) has about 5 grams of protein and zero fiber. Adding butter and marshmallows to the mix don't exactly help the nutritional stats as you can imagine.
5 grams of protein / 16 treats = approx. 0.3 grams of protein and zero grams of fiber per treat. Yikes!
So what's an easy fix so you can enjoy cereal treats and not scrounge around your desk drawers for an old granola bar an hour later? Mix up the ingredients!
I used protein cereal, nuts, and raisins in my treats, and subbed in nut butter for a portion of the butter. Besides more protein and more fiber, this version of cereal treats results in a heartier snack. You won't think you're chewing on crispy, sweet (though super tasty) air - promise.
The cereal treat methodology is still in place here, though the ingredients have changed. This particular combination was a hit in my house so I wrote the exact recipe below, but there is ample room for customization. I have been obsessing over cinnamon almond protein Cheerios, so we had a box (or three) to spare in recipe development. Feel free to use the cereal that you prefer - high fiber, gluten-free, etc. We buy cashews in bulk to have on hand for our favorite curry chicken salad, so in they went too. If your pantry has a higher inventory of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans - then by all means! Raisins were a fun little addition that can be omitted if you happen to live with some raisin haters.
Last but not least I reduced the butter, instead adding peanut butter. It melts beautifully and binds the ingredients along with the butter. Oh yeah, and the marshmallows? They stayed. 🙂
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 ½ tablespoon peanut butter
- 2 ¼ cups mini marshmallows
- 3 cups protein Cheerios or any type of cereal you prefer
- ¾ cup cashew halves and pieces
- ¼ cup raisins
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir frequently, until marshmallows lose their shape and melt.
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in Cheerios, cashews, and raisins. Pour mixture into a greased pan. Press mixture into bottom of pan (I lightly wet my hands to prevent sticking while doing this) and let treats sit at room temperature to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition Disclaimer
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Such a great idea for all that cereal my daughter won't eat.
Isadora @ she likes food says
I've never thought to make cereal treats with cheerios before, but I like cheerios much better than rice crispy treats, so I bet they are so good! I love everything else that you added in too! These are like cereal treats for grownups 🙂
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
I'm laughing at your "a.k.a." list...sounds like my thoughts on it, too! I think add-ins take cereal bars up at least 4 notches. Love that they can be customizable depending on what you can dig up in the pantry. 🙂 These look like the best snack.
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
Oh, great idea! I struggle constantly to find healthy snacks. My favourite are the ones that don't seem 'healthy' at all and still have a bit of naughtiness about them. This is perfect!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
First, let me just say, you had me at peanut butter :-)! And I love the fact this uses lots of things in your pantry! I always have stray things in my pantry that would go great in these!
Zainab @Blahnik Baker says
Ahhhhh!! I want these! And I DO need to empty my cabinets 🙂
Catalina @ Shades of Pink says
this is right on time, as I have some cereal boxes taht have been sitting in tha pantry for too long and need to be used asap.
Marcie says
Want to know a secret? I like marshmallow treats better with Cherrios! So much heartier, oatier, and yeah, more nutritious. I haven't made any in ages, and these are looking really good! I love the addition of the nuts and peanut butter too!
Danielle says
These look so delicious! Love that you made them a little healthier too, make it's totally okay to have them for breakfast too!
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
Just irresistible! I'm headed to a Halloween potluck and this is just the treat that all ages will devour!
Kathi @ Deliciously Yum! says
I am pretty sure I have everything needed for this recipe at home. Now I can't wait to get done with work and whip this up as a special treat for tonight. I am sooo excited ;). Hope you're having a lovely day 😉
Sues says
These look so fun and delicious! Perfect to take to work to enjoy with my morning coffee 🙂