The Ultimate No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe

Crafting delightful peanut butter cheerio bars brings pure childhood nostalgia right into your kitchen.

Sweet memories dance through crispy cereal layers packed with creamy goodness.

Afternoons suddenly feel magical when these simple treats come together.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor without complicated preparation steps.

Perfectly balanced snacks emerge from just a few pantry staples.

Kids adore the chewy texture mixed with crunchy cheerio bits.

Hungry hands will reach for seconds before you can even set the plate down.

Why Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Are a Must-Try

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delightful bars with just three ingredients and minimal effort, making it a breeze for even novice cooks to create a tasty treat.
• Kid-Friendly Snack Adventure: Perfect for little hands to help prepare, these bars offer a fun, interactive cooking experience that children will love participating in from start to finish.
• Healthy-ish Indulgence: Combine the wholesome crunch of Cheerios with protein-packed peanut butter, creating a snack that feels like a treat but offers some nutritional benefits.
• No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and enjoy a simple, no-cook recipe that requires minimal kitchen skills and cleanup, ideal for busy families or quick snack preparation.

What Goes into Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

• Honey: Sweet golden liquid that helps bind the bars together.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy spread that adds rich flavor and helps hold the mixture.
• Cheerios: Crunchy whole grain cereal that creates the bar's texture.

• Parchment Paper: Helpful for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.

• Microwave-Safe Dish: Needed for melting ingredients.
• 8×8 or 9×9 Square Dish: Perfect for shaping the bars.
• Cookie Sheet: Alternative option for spreading the mixture.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Line an 8×8 or 9×9 square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides completely for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Smooth Liquid Base

Combine honey and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even melting.

Alternatively, you can use a stovetop method by gently warming the mixture in a saucepan over low heat.

Step 3: Blend Cheerios into Mixture

Pour the melted honey and peanut butter into a large mixing bowl.

• Cheerios
• Honey
• Peanut butter

Gently fold and stir until every Cheerio is thoroughly coated with the sweet, sticky mixture.

Step 4: Shape and Set Bars

Transfer the Cheerio mixture into the prepared parchment-lined dish.

Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread and press the mixture evenly, creating a smooth, compact layer.

Step 5: Chill and Solidify

Place the dish in the refrigerator for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until the bars have completely hardened and become firm to the touch.

Step 6: Cut and Store

Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator.

Using the parchment paper, lift the entire block out of the dish.

Slice into uniform bars using a sharp knife.

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and freshness.

Peanut Butter Cheerio Bar Tips

• Use short 15-20 second intervals when heating honey and peanut butter to prevent burning, stirring between each burst for smooth consistency.
• Line your dish completely with parchment paper, allowing extra overhang for easy bar removal without breaking or crumbling.
• Ensure every Cheerio gets coated evenly by folding gently but completely, preventing dry patches in your final bars.
• Refrigerate for at least 30-45 minutes to achieve firm, clean-cutting bars that hold their shape perfectly.
• Experiment by adding dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor complexity and personal touch.

Storage Help for Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to maintain freshness and texture.
• Allow bars to cool completely before placing them in the container to prevent condensation and soggy edges.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying for the best texture.

Perfect Matches for Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

• Pair with Creamy Milk: Smooth, cold milk complements the sweet and nutty peanut butter Cheerio bars perfectly, creating a classic childhood-inspired refreshment.
• Boost with Chocolate Drink: Rich hot chocolate or chocolate milk enhances the bars' sweetness, adding depth to the peanut butter and cereal flavor profile.
• Match with Fruity Smoothie: A bright berry or banana smoothie provides a fresh contrast to the dense, rich texture of the bars, balancing the overall taste experience.
• Serve alongside Cappuccino: The creamy espresso and foam of a cappuccino cuts through the sweetness, offering a sophisticated adult twist to this nostalgic treat.

Variants for Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

• Almond Butter Alternative: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor, perfect for those with peanut allergies.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free Cheerios or swap with rice crispy cereal to create a celiac-friendly treat.
• Vegan Modification: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and choose a plant-based nut butter to make the bars completely vegan-friendly.
• Chocolate Drizzle Option: Melt dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the top of the bars for an extra indulgent touch after refrigerating.

FAQs

• Are the bars suitable for kids' lunchboxes?

Yes, these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are perfect for kids’ lunchboxes. They’re easy to pack, nutritious, and made with simple ingredients that children love.

• Can I use a different type of cereal?

Absolutely! You can substitute Cheerios with Rice Krispies, corn flakes, or any similar crunchy cereal. Just ensure the cereal can hold the peanut butter and honey mixture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. While Cheerios offers gluten-free varieties, you’ll need to check the specific box and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivities.

• How long will these bars stay fresh?

These bars will remain fresh for about 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their texture and taste well during this period.

Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible peanut butter cheerio bars blend childhood nostalgia with sweet, crunchy indulgence, creating a quick no-bake treat perfect for snacking. Creamy peanut butter and marshmallows bind crispy cheerios into delightful squares you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups plain cheerios
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey

Additional Ingredients:

• None

Notes:

• Recommended to use unsalted peanut butter with only peanuts as an ingredient
• Do not use honey for children under 1 year old

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Instructions

1. Warm honey and peanut butter in a microwave-safe container, heating in short 15-20 second intervals and stirring between each interval until completely smooth and liquid.
2. Remove from microwave and quickly fold in Cheerios, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated with the sticky mixture.
3. Transfer the coated Cheerios into a parchment-lined square baking dish, pressing down gently with a spatula to create an even, compact layer.
4. Smooth the top surface to create uniform thickness, ensuring no gaps or loose Cheerios remain exposed.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until the mixture sets and becomes firm to the touch.
6. Once hardened, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block from the dish and place on a cutting board.
7. Slice into rectangular bars using a sharp knife, creating consistent portion sizes.
8. Store the completed bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator, where they will maintain their crisp texture and prevent potential melting.

Notes

• Customize sweetness by adjusting honey quantity for personal taste preferences.
• Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for unique flavor variations.
• Create gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free Cheerios or replacing with rice puffs.
• Enhance nutritional value by sprinkling chia seeds or chopped nuts into the mixture before setting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg