Dreamy Berries and Cream Cereal Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat

Berries and cream cereal bars offer a delightful twist on classic breakfast treats that dance between nostalgic comfort and modern culinary creativity.

Sweet memories of childhood mornings merge with sophisticated flavor combinations in this irresistible snack.

Layers of fresh, vibrant berries create a burst of natural sweetness against a creamy, smooth backdrop.

Crisp cereal provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, luscious filling.

Homemade bars elevate the humble breakfast staple into an elegant dessert that impresses both kids and adults alike.

Simple ingredients change into a gourmet experience that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

These bars strike a perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome ingredients, making them an ideal quick breakfast or afternoon treat.

Tips for Chewy, Creamy Berries and Cream Cereal Bars

• Soften Marshmallows Perfectly: Remove marshmallow mixture from heat immediately after melting to prevent burning and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Distribute Mix Evenly: Use clean, slightly damp hands or a spatula sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to press cereal mixture into pan without sticking.
• Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Melt white chocolate chips slowly and stir frequently to ensure a silky, smooth coating that adheres well to bars.
• Chill for Cleaner Cuts: Refrigerate bars for 10-15 minutes after cooling to help them set firmer and make slicing more precise and clean.
• Store for Maximum Freshness: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crisp texture and prevent staleness.

Store Berries and Cream Cereal Bars to Keep Them Fresh

• Refrigerate bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Separate each layer to prevent sticking and maintain the bars' crisp texture. Store at room temperature if consuming within 2 days to keep the marshmallow binding soft and cereal crunchy. Avoid freezing these bars, as the texture of marshmallows and freeze-dried strawberries might change, potentially compromising their delightful crunch and flavor. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you prefer a slightly warm treat, but be cautious not to overheat and melt the white chocolate coating.

Snack Pairings That Go Great with Berries and Cream Cereal Bars

• Brew Creamy Berry Delight: Pair these sweet bars with a cold glass of vanilla almond milk or a light, fruity tea like strawberry or raspberry to complement the berry flavor.
• Enhance Dessert Experience: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to add extra richness and creaminess to the treat.
• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Match these bars with a crisp white wine like Moscato or a fruity rosé for an adult dessert pairing that balances the sweetness of the white chocolate and berries.
• Morning Breakfast Boost: Enjoy with a fresh berry smoothie or a cappuccino to create a delightful morning indulgence that highlights the strawberry and cereal notes.

Twists to Try on Your Next Berries and Cream Cereal Bars Batch

• Blueberry Bliss Bars: Swap freeze-dried strawberries with freeze-dried blueberries for a vibrant blue color and tangy berry flavor. The white chocolate drizzle will create a stunning contrast against the deep blue berries.
• Tropical Crunch Edition: Replace strawberries with freeze-dried pineapple or mango chunks. Add shredded coconut to the marshmallow mixture for an extra tropical touch that transforms the classic bar.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix in cocoa-flavored Cheerios instead of regular ones. Drizzle with milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for a rich, decadent version that chocolate fans will adore.
• Nutty Berry Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans into the marshmallow mixture. Add a light dusting of cinnamon for warmth and complexity that elevates the original recipe's simple charm.

What Makes Berries and Cream Cereal Bars So Satisfyingly Sweet

• Burst with Berry Bliss: Freeze-dried strawberries infuse these cereal bars with an intense, concentrated berry flavor that pops in every delightful bite.
• Crunch Meets Creamy Decadence: The classic Cheerios provide a satisfying crunch, perfectly balanced by the smooth, rich white chocolate coating that melts in your mouth.
• Super Simple Sweet Treat: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, takes just 15 minutes of active preparation, and delivers a crowd-pleasing dessert that both kids and adults will adore.

Ingredients That Bring Berries and Cream Cereal Bars Together

• Cheerios Cereal: Classic breakfast cereal that provides a crunchy base and structure for the bars.
• Mini Marshmallows: Sweet binding agent that helps hold the bars together and adds a soft, gooey texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, cohesive mixture for the bars.

• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Intense berry flavor that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the bars.
• White Chocolate Chips: Creamy coating that provides a luxurious finish and extra sweetness.
• Coconut Oil: Optional alternative to butter for melting and creating a smooth chocolate coating.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Essential for easy removal of bars from the pan without sticking.
• Parchment Paper: Helps bars cool and prevents sticking during the chocolate dipping process.

How to Make Berries and Cream Cereal Bars Without Breaking a Sweat

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create Marshmallow Base

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix Cereal and Berries

• Cheerios™ cereal
• Freeze-dried strawberries

Stir until every piece is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Step 4: Press into Pan

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula or clean hands to spread and press the mixture evenly across the pan. Let it cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Coating

• White chocolate chips
• Butter or coconut oil

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.

Step 6: Dip and Set Bars

Cut the cooled mixture into 16 bars. Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted white chocolate. Place on parchment paper with the chocolate side facing up. Allow bars to cool until chocolate sets completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chocolate has hardened, serve and enjoy your delicious berries and cream cereal bars!

Berries And Cream Cereal Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Berries and Cream Cereal Bars celebrate nostalgic breakfast comfort with a gourmet twist. Marshmallow-bound crisp rice mingles with luscious cream cheese and sweet summer berries, crafting a delightful treat that transports you to childhood mornings with sophisticated adult charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 box (11.1 ounces / 315 grams) Cheerios™ Cereal Very Berry
• 1 package (1.2 ounces / 34 grams) freeze-dried strawberries

Binding Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup (57 grams) butter
• 1 bag (12 ounces / 340 grams) white chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter or coconut oil, melted

Preparation Ingredient:

• Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan by generously coating it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious saucepan, gently melt of butter over medium heat, maintaining a low, steady temperature.
3. Pour the mini marshmallows into the melted butter and stir continuously until they transform into a smooth, glossy mixture, then immediately remove from heat.
4. Incorporate the Cheerios cereal and freeze-dried strawberries into the marshmallow base, folding gently to ensure every morsel gets evenly coated with the sweet mixture.
5. Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan, using a spatula or clean hands to distribute and press the ingredients uniformly, creating an even layer.
6. Allow the cereal base to cool and set completely at room temperature, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
7. Melt white chocolate chips with of butter or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, using 30-second intervals and stirring between each heating cycle until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
8. Carefully dip the bottom of each cooled cereal bar into the melted white chocolate, ensuring a thin, even coating.
9. Place the chocolate-dipped bars on a parchment paper-lined surface, with the chocolate side facing upward, and let them rest until the chocolate solidifies completely.
10. Once set, the Berries and Cream Cereal Bars are ready to be served and enjoyed.

Notes

• Elevate your classic marshmallow treat with a delightful berry and white chocolate twist that transforms an ordinary snack into a gourmet experience.
• Crush freeze-dried strawberries beforehand for even distribution, ensuring a burst of fruity flavor in every single bite.
• Use room temperature butter to help marshmallows melt more smoothly and prevent burning during the cooking process.
• Press the cereal mixture gently but firmly into the pan to create compact, well-structured bars that hold together perfectly.
• Melt white chocolate carefully in short microwave intervals to prevent scorching, stirring between each to achieve a silky-smooth coating.
• Store completed bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crisp texture and fresh taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg