Name: Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter; ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option); 3 cups plain or multigrain Cheerios; Pinch of sea salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Mini chocolate chips; Chia seeds; Sprinkles

Jump to Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a quick, no-bake treat that brings together the perfect crunch with rich, nutty sweetness, then these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars will become your new favorite snack. Bursting with wholesome Cheerios and creamy peanut butter, this recipe is delightfully simple yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you need an energizing pick-me-up, a kid-friendly lunchbox addition, or just a cozy little indulgence, Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars check all the boxes with their chewy texture and subtle honeyed goodness.

Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Trust me, the magic of these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars lies in how just a few simple ingredients come together to create something irresistibly tasty. Each component plays a key role: peanut butter for creaminess and protein, honey for natural sweetness, and Cheerios to keep things delightfully crunchy and light.

⅔ cup creamy peanut butter: Use a smooth variety to ensure easier mixing and a creamy texture in every bite.
⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan): Acts as the natural sweetener and binder, holding everything together perfectly.
3 cups plain or multigrain Cheerios: Provides the essential crunch and wholesome grain goodness.
Optional extras (pinch of sea salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips, chia seeds, or sprinkles): Feel free to jazz up the bars with any of these to add subtle flavor boosts or fun textures.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Step 1: Melt & Mix

Start by gently heating the creamy peanut butter and honey together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously for about two to three minutes until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This warm mixture acts as the glue, so achieving a silky texture here is essential. Once ready, remove the pan from heat to prevent overcooking.

Step 2: Fold in Cereal

Add the Cheerios to your warm peanut butter-honey blend, folding them in gently. This step ensures every piece of cereal gets evenly coated without crushing them. The idea is to keep that satisfying crunch while evenly distributing the sweet peanut coating throughout the bars.

Step 3: Press Firmly

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press down firmly using damp fingers or a spatula. Pressing tightly is key—it helps the bars hold together and reduces any unwanted crumbling when you slice them later.

Step 4: Chill & Slice

Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the bars firm up, or pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Once firm, lift the entire block out using the parchment paper and cut it into 12 individual bars. Voilà—your Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Garnishes

While these bars are fantastic as they are, a light sprinkle of sea salt or mini chocolate chips on top before chilling can add a delightful pop of flavor and visual appeal. You might also dust them with a touch of cinnamon or drizzle melted dark chocolate for an extra special touch.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like apple slices or banana for a balanced snack. If serving as part of a breakfast spread, consider adding a Greek yogurt parfait or a glass of cold milk to keep the experience wholesome and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars in a decorative jar or wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for gift-giving or lunchbox treats. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a tray with toothpicks for a fun party appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, these bars store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, staying fresh and chewy. Keeping them chilled also helps maintain their firm texture, preventing any unwanted stickiness.

Freezing

If you want to keep the Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Reheating

Since these bars are perfect cold or at room temperature, reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if you prefer a softer bite, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will warm them without melting the peanut butter completely.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture but may make mixing slightly trickier. Just be sure to melt and stir it thoroughly for a smooth coating.

Are Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars vegan-friendly?

They can be easily made vegan by swapping honey for maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener. Just keep an eye on any optional add-ins to ensure they fit your dietary preferences.

Can I use other cereals besides Cheerios?

Yes, feel free to experiment with puffed rice, cornflakes, or even granola clusters for different textures and flavors. Just pick cereals that hold their crunch well when coated.

How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?

Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is crucial. Also, chilling the bars until completely firm before slicing ensures they hold together nicely.

Are these bars healthy?

While indulgent, Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars include wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and whole grain cereal, offering a good balance of protein, fiber, and sweetness without refined sugars.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars enough for anyone looking for a simple yet delicious no-bake treat. They come together so quickly, require little fuss, and offer the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet in every bite. Whether for snacking, gifting, or an easy on-the-go energy boost, these bars are sure to win hearts. Give them a try and see how easily Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars can become one of your all-time favorite snacks!

Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 20 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 15 mins
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars that combine creamy peanut butter and honey with crunchy Cheerios for a perfect snack or breakfast treat. These bars are customizable with optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or chia seeds, providing a wholesome and satisfying bite for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
3 cups plain or multigrain Cheerios

Optional Extras

Pinch of sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Mini chocolate chips
Chia seeds
Sprinkles

Instructions

Melt & Mix: Gently heat peanut butter and honey in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
Fold in Cereal: Add the Cheerios to the warm peanut butter mixture. Stir gently to coat all the cereal evenly without crushing them, ensuring a nice crunchy texture.
Press Firmly: Transfer the mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Using damp fingers or a spatula, press the mixture down firmly and evenly to create compact bars that will hold together well when sliced.
Chill & Slice: Place the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or in the freezer for 15 minutes until the mixture is firm. Once set, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper and slice into 12 equal bars.

Notes

Press the mixture firmly to minimize crumbling when cutting the bars.
Add optional mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chia seeds, or sprinkles before pressing the mixture into the pan for extra flavor and texture.
Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Category: Snack, Breakfast
Method: No bake
Cuisine: American