Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milk and Cereal Bars (Grain Free, Vegan)
Ready for the best healthy re-creation of milk and cereal bars we all so loved as kids?!
These bars are the perfect grab and go breakfast. Now we all know the milk part of the bars found at the grocery stores was just frosting-like a consistency-- so I incorporated a healthier frosting: coconut butter, coconut milk (or yogurt), and maple syrup.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Bars: A Grain-Free Delight for All Ages
If you’re a fan of the classic cereal treat but are looking for a grain-free alternative, you're in luck! Today, we're combining the nostalgic flavor of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with the convenience of a cereal bar, all without the grains. Whether you follow a grain-free diet out of necessity or preference, this recipe ensures you don't miss out on one of life's simple pleasures. Here's how to make these delightful Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Bars using either my homemade grain-free Cinnamon Toast Crunch recipe or a store-bought grain-free brand.
Ingredients used in this recipe :
- Grain-free Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: You can make your own using a favorite recipe or opt for a pre-made grain-free brand available in health food stores.
- Honey or maple syrup: This acts as a natural sweetener and helps to bind the bars today .
- Nut butter: Choose from almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- vanilla extract: Adds a layer of warmth and depth to the flavor.
- ground cinnamon: For that extra cinnamon kick!
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
“Milk” frosting
- Coconut butter: the base of the “milk” or frosting
- maple syrup: to sweeten the frosting
- coconut milk: thins out the frosting a little
- cinnamon
How we make these bars
Prepare the Tray:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking tray with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine with Cereal:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the grain-free Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with the ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Pour the warm honey and nut butter mixture over the cereal. Mix well until every piece is evenly coated.
Set the Bars:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking tray. Press down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon or a spatula to ensure the bars will hold together once cooled.
Chill to Set:
- Refrigerate the tray for at least one hour until the mixture is firm and set.
- add the frosting
Cut and Serve:
- Lift the set mixture out of the tray using the parchment paper flaps. Place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares.
Storing Your Cereal Bars:
These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for a firmer texture.
Milk and Cereal Bars
Ingredients
Cereal Base
- 1/2 Cup maple syrup
- 3/4 cup cashew butter or sub with any nut butter
- 2 cups grain-free cinnamon square cereal , (store bought or homemade**)
Milk Topping
- 1/3 cup coconut butter
- 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or sub with powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Bars:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs for easy removal.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a large bowl, combine the grain-free Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the cereal and mix well to coat evenly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tray. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to compress the mix so it holds together once set.
Chill to Set:
- Refrigerate the tray for at least one hour to allow the bars to firm up.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Coconut Butter Frosting:
- In a small bowl, mix the coconut butter, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add coconut milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Spread this frosting over the chilled bars using a knife or the back of a spoon, creating a smooth, even layer.
Final Setting:
- Place the frosted bars back in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to set the frosting.
