If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances crunchy, sweet, and a little bit nutty, you’re going to fall in love with this Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe. It’s a delightful treat packed with wholesome Cheerios and the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter, all held together with a sticky-sweet honey and brown sugar glaze. These bars come together quickly, require no baking, and are a wonderful option for an energizing snack that both kids and adults will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is all it takes to whip up a batch of these irresistible bars. Each component adds a unique touch—from the wholesome crunch of Cheerios to the luscious smoothness of peanut butter, creating a snack that’s both tasty and satisfying.
- Cheerios cereal (3 cups): The perfect light and crispy base that gives these bars their iconic crunch.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps bind the bars together.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Natural sweetness with a sticky texture to hold the ingredients in place.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Provides a subtle caramel depth to balance the honey.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors with a gentle warmth.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to elevate the sweetness and deepen the taste.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): A sweet indulgence that melts slightly into the bars—delicious but optional!
How to Make Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe
Step 1: Create the sticky peanut butter mixture
Start by combining peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to create a smooth, bubbling blend that will be the glue for your bars. This step only takes a few minutes but is key for that luscious, sticky texture.
Step 2: Add flavor boosters
Once your mixture is smooth and gently bubbling, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These ingredients may seem small, but they really bring out the depth in your snack bars.
Step 3: Mix the Cheerios and coat evenly
Pour your Cheerios into a large mixing bowl. Immediately pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir quickly but gently—this ensures every bit of cereal is coated in that sweet, nutty goodness.
Step 4: Fold in chocolate chips (optional)
If you love a little chocolate surprise in your bars, wait for the mixture to cool slightly before folding in the mini chocolate chips. This prevents them from melting completely while still providing pockets of melty sweetness.
Step 5: Press and chill
Transfer the mixture into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly and smooth the surface. Let these bars chill—either sit at room temperature for an hour or pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes—until set and easy to slice.
Step 6: Cut and enjoy
Once your bars have cooled and set, cut them into squares and get ready to savor every bite of this crunchy, chewy, nutty snack sensation!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars before chilling to offer a lovely salty contrast to the sweetness. You could also drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the surface for an elegant touch that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. The creamy drink complements the peanut butter flavor and keeps this snack feeling like a full little treat or light dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for an adorable homemade gift or lunchbox surprise. For a party, arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh fruit and nuts to create an inviting snack spread that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat for best texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, but if you like them a bit warm, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the peanut butter and chocolate slightly, turning the texture into a gooey delight.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and nutty bites to your bars, which can be a nice variation if you love that extra crunch.
Is there a nut-free alternative to peanut butter?
Yes, sunflower seed butter works wonderfully as a nut-free substitute. Just use it in the same amount to keep the flavor and consistency close to the original.
Can I use different cereals instead of Cheerios?
Definitely! While Cheerios give a light crunch and mild flavor, you can experiment with other cereals like Rice Krispies or whole grain flakes, but keep in mind that texture and taste will vary.
Are the bars suitable for kids?
Yes! These bars are a kid-friendly snack, packed with familiar flavors and easy-to-hold squares that make for a perfect lunchbox or after-school treat.
How sticky will these bars be?
Thanks to the honey and peanut butter mixture, the bars will be nicely sticky and chewy without being overly gooey, making them easy to handle and enjoy without much mess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making your own snacks, and this Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe hits all the right notes — simple ingredients, quick prep, and seriously delicious results. Whether you’re packing lunches, looking for an energizing afternoon pick-me-up, or just craving a sweet, nutty bite, these bars have you covered. Give it a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes cooling time)
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are a delicious and easy no-bake snack perfect for kids and adults alike. Made with simple ingredients like Cheerios, creamy peanut butter, and honey, these bars combine a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a delightful crunch. Optional mini chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence, making these bars a versatile treat ideal for lunchboxes, quick snacks, or on-the-go energy boosts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups Cheerios cereal
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Others
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, honey, and light brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and gently bubbling, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures the sugar dissolves and everything melts together to create a sticky, cohesive binder for the bars.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. This adds depth and balances the sweetness for a richer flavor.
- Combine with Cheerios: Place the Cheerios into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir quickly but gently to coat all the pieces evenly. The warmth helps the peanut butter mixture adhere well to the cereal, binding it together.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If using mini chocolate chips, allow the mixture to cool slightly so the chips don’t melt. Then fold them in gently throughout the mixture to disperse the chocolate flavor evenly.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and spread it evenly. This compacts the bars and helps them hold their shape after setting.
- Set the Bars: Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until they are firm and set. Cooling solidifies the peanut butter binder and makes the bars easy to cut.
- Serve: Once set, cut the bars into 9 squares and serve as a quick, nutritious snack.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- If you prefer firmer bars, refrigerate instead of cooling at room temperature.
