This Peanut Butter and Cheerio Bars recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is a no-bake treat that your family will love! Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet after-school treat, these bars can be customized with your favorite mix-ins. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or, if you’re feeling adventurous, use it as a ‘clean out the pantry’ recipe to get rid of those stray odds and ends. Trust me, this one is a game changer for busy afternoons!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Cheerios
- Peanut Butter
- Honey or Maple Syrup
- Vanilla Extract
- Chocolate Chips (Optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Mix It Up!
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir them together until they’re thoroughly mixed, don’t be shy here! You want it all to be smooth and cohesive, with that comforting aroma wafting up. This is about a 2-minute process.
Step 2: Cheerio Time!
Next, add in the Cheerios. Grab a wooden spoon or a spatula and gently fold them into the peanut butter mixture until every piece of cereal is well coated. This will only take a minute or so, but trust me, it’s a workout for your arms! We want every Cheerio lovingly embraced by that yummy peanut butter mixture.
Step 3: Chocolate Chip Surprise!
If you’re feeling decadent, now’s the time to fold in the chocolate chips (if using). Ensure that they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture, talk about leveling up this snack!
Step 4: Pack It In!
Line a medium-sized baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pour your Cheerio mixture in and press it down evenly with your hands or a spatula. The key here is to pack it in tightly; if it’s loose, your bars may fall apart when you cut them.
Step 5: Chill Out!
Pop the pan in the fridge and let it chill for about 30 minutes. This really helps the bars to firm up and makes slicing them much easier.
Step 6: Cut and Serve!
Once chilled, take those bars out and cut them into squares or rectangles, whatever shape you’re feeling! Serve them up as a snack or a dessert. Your family will be BEGGING for more, guaranteed!
My Go-To Recipe for Peanut Butter and Cheerio Bars
Honestly, this is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I need a quick and easy treat for my kids. I can whip it up in no time, and the best part is I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Plus, it makes a fabulous after-school snack that hasn’t failed me yet! I’m a real sucker for those perfectly chewy, sweet, and salty bites. And the versatility? You can use whatever you’ve got on hand, like substituting cashew butter for peanut butter or adding in some shredded coconut. This is truly comfort food you can feel good about serving!
If you loved this Peanut Butter and Cheerio Bars recipe, be sure to check out my Homemade Healthy Marshmallows, my Homemade Strawberry Fruit Snacks, or my Homemade Gummy Peach Rings!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
These bars come together all in under 30 minutes. Plus, there’s zero baking involved! That makes it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or those afternoons when the kids just can’t wait for a sweet treat.
Customizable
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is just how adaptable it is. Switch up ingredients according to your pantry, got some nuts lying around? Toss ‘em in! Want to replace the peanut butter? Go for it! It’s really about making it your own.
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients, these bars won’t break the bank! You can even customize it depending on what you have lying around, lending itself to frugal yet delicious creations.
Crowd-Pleaser
These Peanut Butter and Cheerio Bars are sure to impress the whole family. My kids devour them like, we’re talking empty plates within minutes! With tons of flavor and a hint of nostalgia, they suit any occasion.
Make-Ahead Friendly
They store beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or quick grab-and-go snacks during busy weeks. Just keep them in an airtight container and they’ll last up to a week in the fridge!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve your Peanut Butter and Cheerio Bars as an after-school snack, a lunchtime treat, or even a dessert, everyone will love them! You can pair them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a wholesome balance.
Storage
Keep these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week, though they never last that long in my house!
Reheating Instructions
If you prefer these bars a bit melty (who can resist warm chocolate?), pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it!
Freezer Friendly
Absolutely! You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
And there you have it your new go-to recipe for Peanut Butter and Cheerio Bars! They’re easy, satisfying, and perfect for the whole family. It’s one of those recipes you can always rely on, whether you’re in a pinch or just looking for a tasty snack to share. Enjoy your kitchen adventures, happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Peanut Butter and Cheerio Bars
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and cohesive.
- Add the Cheerios and gently fold them into the peanut butter mixture until evenly coated.
- If using, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Line a medium-sized baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pour the Cheerio mixture in and press it down tightly.
- Chill the pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up the bars.
- Once chilled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.