How to Make Cocoa Puffs Cereal Bars: The Perfect Snack for Chocolate Lovers

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Do you love chocolate? If so, you’re going to love this recipe for Cocoa Puffs cereal bars! They are the perfect snack for chocolate lovers. This recipe is really easy to follow, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare. Plus, these cereal bars are perfect for those school lunches! So if you’re looking for a quick and easy snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth, then be sure to try this recipe for Cocoa Puffs cereal bars!

Reasons You’ll Love This 

• These are no bake bars.
• This recipe is really easy to follow, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
• These cereal bars are perfect for those school lunches!
• These cereal bars only take three ingredients which makes them an easy recipe!

It is travel season!

Summer means picnics, days at the zoo, and even road trips. It not only saves money to pack your own food and snacks, but you tend to eat better also! I love finding recipes that are easy to make ahead and take on the go.

These Cocoa Puffs cereal bars fit that bill! Plus they have an added bonus of being absolutely delicious.

The best part? Hot summer days do not make a huge mess out of them. No melting chocolate or sticky fingers here! We really think this is one of the best Cocoa Puff cereal recipes!

Cocoa Puffs Cereal Bars

Whether you use Cocoa Puffs or the store brand, this recipe is a breeze to whip up. I prefer the General Mills name brand as it is now made with cocoa powder and no longer has high fructose corn syrup. No artificial flavors is another huge benefit to us. Even better? A serving has 10 grams of whole grain.

If you want to save money, the store brand chocolate cereals will work just as well in this recipe, you are just trading off the quality and turning it into more of a dessert than a cereal bar.

I’m not going to talk about vitamin c or vitamin b6 here, or any kind of daily value nutrition because let’s face it, we are talking about a recipe around a kid’s breakfast cereal. Yes, it is an easy treat, but it isn’t going to become a family favorite from its content of whole grain corn.

Cocoa Puffs Cereal Bar Ingredients

Yes, these are a lot like crispy treats, but for the chocolate lover! You have that gooey marshmallow goodness or Rice Krispie treats that make for the perfect school snack, yet is healthy enough that these Cocoa Puff cereal bars can be a quick breakfast.

• Cocoa Puffs Cereal – this one is kind of a no-brainer, right?
• Butter – do not substitute for margarine as it makes a huge difference in the final result 
• Marshmallows – yes, these are fat-free and a great way to bind things together

That’s it – I told you there were only three ingredients!

How to Make Cocoa Puffs Cereal Bars

Butter or line with parchment paper (or wax paper) a 9 x 12-inch baking pan and then set it aside. 

Spray a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray and then set it aside. 

In a large saucepan melt butter on low heat.

When the butter is melted add in the marshmallows and stir frequently until they are melted. We suggest using a large silicone spatula instead of a wooden spoon for this.

Pour the cereal into the prepared mixing bowl.

Pour the melted marshmallows mixture over the top of it.

Toss to fully coat the cereal evenly.

Spoon your sticky cereal mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Wet your hands with cold water and then press mixture down on the top of the bars to create an even layer across the pan.

Allow it to cool at room temperature for at least one hour then flip it out onto your cutting board. Use your Chef knife to cut it into 2-inch by 3-inch bars and you will end up with 18 bars.

Wrap each of your cereal treats individually in plastic wrap and then store them in a resealable bag or an airtight container.

These cereal bars are best eaten within one week but can be stored for up to two weeks.

Expert Tips

• If you want to add a little bit of fun to this recipe, try adding in some M&M’s or chocolate chips!
• If you find that your cereal bars are too crumbly, you can try adding a little bit more marshmallow to the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of cereal in this recipe?

A: While cocoa puffs are my favorite, you can totally use any type of chocolate cereal that you like. We occasionally use peanut butter puffs to make bars! Vanilla puffs would taste totally different for this quick snack.

Q: Can I make these fun snacks thicker?

A: Yes! Just use an 8×8 baking dish instead of a 9×12 pan.

Q: How should I store these cereal bars?

A: These cereal bars are best stored in an airtight container or resealable bag. They will last for up to two weeks.

Q: Can I freeze these cereal bars?

A: Yes, you can absolutely freeze these cereal bars! Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They will last for up to three months.