Anyone remember those Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal bars from childhood? The ones with the “milk” layer that was really just frosting? This is my no bake cinnamon cereal bars take on that nostalgic favorite—only upgraded with better-for-you ingredients.
In true RGE fashion, instead of refined sugar and additives, these bars are naturally sweetened with honey, packed with protein from peanut butter and collagen peptides, and still give you that crunchy bite thanks to a gluten-free (and grain-free) cereal base. Perfect for an afternoon snack, post-dinner treat, or even a morning pick-me-up with your coffee, these bars are the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth while bringing back a little childhood fun.
What Makes These No-Bake Bars So Good
I’m going to be bold and say there’s no way you won’t love these no bake cinnamon cereal bars—they taste insane!
Here’s why: they’re quick to make, require just a few simple ingredients, and set right in the fridge—no oven required. Perfect if you’re not much of a baker (my sister definitely got more of those genes in my fam) or if you just want a sweet treat without the hassle.
Using a clean cinnamon sugar cereal like Three Wishes keeps them naturally gluten-free and higher in protein compared to most store-bought options. Peanut butter adds healthy fats for satiety, collagen peptides support skin and joint health, and that drizzle of dairy-free white chocolate? It’s basically the icing on the bars (literally, lol).
They’re just as fun as the original, but nourishing enough for everyday snacking. A more balanced upgrade to a childhood favorite? Doesn’t get any better than that!
Healthy No-Bake Bars for Every Occasion
I’ll stop myself before I go on and on about how much we love these, but here’s the bottom line: whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly snack or a quick no bake dessert to share at a party or gathering, these bars check all the boxes. They’re easy to make, boosted with protein, and made with whole-food ingredients you probably already have in your pantry (or can easily snag on your next grocery run).
They’re also super versatile—cut them into bigger squares for a dessert-style bar or slice into smaller bites for grab-and-go goodness. Once you make a batch, you’ll see why these healthy no bake cereal bars are one of my go-to recipes for both snacks and dessert. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
For the Bars:
- Cinnamon sugar cereal grain-free O’s (I like Three Wishes)
- Honey
- Natural, unsweetened peanut butter
- Refined coconut oil
- Pure vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Kosher salt
- Collagen peptides (I like Equip or Vital Proteins)
For the Drizzle:
- Dairy-free white chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life)
- Refined coconut oil
HOW TO MAKE NO-BAKE CINNAMON CEREAL BARS (GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE)
For the Bars:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cinnamon sugar cereal. Line a 9×9 square baking pan with a parchment paper sling and spray generously with coconut or avocado oil cooking oil spray. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk consistently and cook until the peanut butter and honey have melted together and are combined. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes. While whisking, add in the vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and collagen peptides. Continue to stir and cook until the mixture is totally combined and there are no clumps, about 1 more minute.
Immediately take the mixture off the heat and pour it over the cereal. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir the mixture together, folding the peanut butter and honey mixture into the cereal without breaking it apart. Continue to stir until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
Quickly transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing into an even layer with the back of a spoon or your hands. It will be very sticky. Once the bars are in a compact, even layer, transfer to the fridge to set for 30 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Once the bars are set, remove from the fridge. Use the parchment sling to remove the bars. Using a sharp knife, cut into 16 squares. Alternatively, you can cut the squares in half to make 32 bite-sized pieces. Place the squares on the prepped baking sheet.
For the Drizzle:
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate and the coconut oil. Heat in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is smooth.
Using a fork, drizzle the white chocolate over the squares. Allow to set at room temperature.
To Store:
Store in a gallon-sized bag or an airtight container. The bars will last in the fridge for 5 days, or on the counter for 3 days.
RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS
I’ve only made these as-is, but sharing a few subs you can try! Swap the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you prefer, and maple syrup in place of honey works for a vegan option, or if that’s just what you already have in your kitchen. Any gluten-free (or regular, if no gluten sensitivities) cinnamon-flavored cereal will work if you can’t find Three Wishes. For the drizzle, try dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of white chocolate if you prefer, or skip it altogether for a simpler bar.
Can I make these gluten-free cereal bars without Three Wishes cereal?
Absolutely! Any gluten-free cinnamon-flavored cereal will work, or you can use a regular cereal if gluten isn’t a concern. The bars will should still together and taste delicious.
Are these healthy no-bake snack bars suitable for kids?
Yes! These bars are naturally sweetened with honey, packed with protein from peanut butter and collagen, and easy to cut into kid-friendly portions. They make a fun after-school snack or weekend treat.
Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipes You’ll Love:
- Salted Maple Protein Cookie Bars
- S’mores Blondies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Funfetti Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches
- High-Protein Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip
- Healthy Lemon Poppyseed Protein Muffins (Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free)
No-Bake Cinnamon Cereal Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 6 cups cinnamon sugar cereal grain-free O’s, (I like Three Wishes)
- ½ cup honey
- ⅔ cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup collagen peptides, (I like Equip or Vital Proteins)
For the Drizzle:
- ⅓ cup dairy-free white chocolate chips, (I like Enjoy Life)
- 2 teaspoons refined coconut oil
Instructions
For the Bars:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cinnamon sugar cereal. Line a 9×9 square baking pan with a parchment paper sling and spray generously with coconut or avocado oil cooking oil spray. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk consistently and cook until the peanut butter and honey have melted together and are combined. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes. While whisking, add in the vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and collagen peptides. Continue to stir and cook until the mixture is totally combined and there are no clumps, about 1 more minute.
- Immediately take the mixture off the heat and pour it over the cereal. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir the mixture together, folding the peanut butter and honey mixture into the cereal without breaking it apart. Continue to stir until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Quickly transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing into an even layer with the back of a spoon or your hands. It will be very sticky. Once the bars are in a compact, even layer, transfer to the fridge to set for 30 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Once the bars are set, remove from the fridge. Use the parchment sling to remove the bars. Using a sharp knife, cut into 16 squares. Alternatively, you can cut the squares in half to make 32 bite-sized pieces. Place the squares on the prepped baking sheet.
For the Drizzle:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate and the coconut oil. Heat in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is smooth.
- Using a fork, drizzle the white chocolate over the squares. Allow to set at room temperature.
To Store:
- Store in a gallon-sized bag or an airtight container. The bars will last in the fridge for 5 days, or on the counter for 3 days.
Notes
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you prefer.
- Use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan option (or if that’s what you already have on hand).
- Any gluten-free cinnamon-flavored cereal will work if you can’t find Three Wishes (regular cereal works too if no gluten sensitivities).
- For the drizzle, try dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of white chocolate, or skip it altogether for a simpler bar.
