Need a quick, kid-friendly snack that’s both healthy and delicious? No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars are Peanut Butter Cereal Bars that combine crunchy Cheerios with creamy peanut butter for a chewy, wholesome treat. Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or summer picnics, these no-bake snack bars are easy to make and freezer-friendly. Let’s whip up these No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars and keep snack time fun and fuss-free!
Why You’ll Love No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars
- No Oven Needed: These No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars are ready to chill in minutes.
- Kid-Friendly: Safe for little helpers to make healthy cereal snacks.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber and healthy fats for chewy peanut butter bars.
- Customizable: Adapt for nut-free or low-sugar no-bake snack bars.
- Quick Prep: Ideal for busy parents needing fast, healthy cereal snacks.
Ingredients for No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars
Here’s what you’ll need for these chewy peanut butter bars (makes ~12 bars):
Base Ingredients:
- ½ cup (125g) peanut butter (natural or creamy)
- ½ cup (170g) honey or maple syrup
- 3 cups (120g) plain or multigrain Cheerios
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup (45g) mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (40g) dried fruit (e.g., raisins or chopped dates)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flax seeds
- ½ tsp cinnamon or vanilla extract
Equipment
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups
- 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Knife
Ingredient Tips
- Peanut Butter: Use natural peanut butter for less sugar in these No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars.
- Cheerios: Plain or multigrain work best for healthy cereal snacks; avoid sugary varieties.
- Honey: Swap for maple syrup or pureed dates for low-sugar no-bake snack bars.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly chewy peanut butter bars.
- Add-Ins: Cool the mixture before adding chocolate chips to prevent melting in these healthy cereal snacks.
Directions
Melt Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan over low heat, I stir ½ cup peanut butter and ½ cup honey until smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Alternatively, I microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, for a quick base for chewy peanut butter bars.
Mix with Cheerios
In a large bowl, I pour the peanut butter mixture over 3 cups Cheerios and stir with a spatula until evenly coated, ensuring a crunchy texture for healthy cereal snacks.
Add Optional Extras
If using, I wait a minute for the mixture to cool, then fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup dried fruit, 1 tbsp chia seeds, or ½ tsp cinnamon for customized no-bake snack bars.
Press into Pan
I line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, pour in the mixture, and press firmly with a spatula or wet hands for sturdy chewy peanut butter bars. A tight press prevents crumbling.
Chill and Slice
I refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour until set. I lift the mixture out using the parchment, then slice into 12 bars or smaller squares for these No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories: ~150–180 kcal per bar
- Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 4g protein, 7g fat, 2g fiber
Variations for No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars
Try these twists on these healthy cereal snacks:
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter for school-safe no-bake snack bars.
- Low-Sugar: Swap honey for pureed dates and use unsweetened peanut butter for lighter chewy peanut butter bars.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for decadent healthy cereal snacks.
- Tropical Twist: Add ¼ cup shredded coconut and dried pineapple for tropical no-bake snack bars, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Vegan Breakfast Cookies.
- Spiced Flavor: Mix in ½ tsp pumpkin spice for cozy No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a balanced snack.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a sweet pairing.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a fun dessert.
Storage
I store leftover chewy peanut butter bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, I freeze them in layers with parchment paper for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature. They’re perfect for grab-and-go healthy cereal snacks.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Wrap individual No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars in wax paper for lunchboxes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra chia seeds or chocolate chips for a fun no-bake snack bar look.
- Pairing: Serve with milk or LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca for refreshment.
- Portion Size: 1 bar or 2 small squares per person for a satisfying snack.
- Occasions: Great for school lunches, picnics, or after-school treats.
FAQs
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, use sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars.
How do I reduce sugar?
Use natural peanut butter and pureed dates instead of honey for low-sugar healthy cereal snacks.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months in layers for convenient no-bake snack bars.
Which Cheerios are best?
Plain or multigrain Cheerios work best for chewy peanut butter bars; avoid sugary types.
Are these safe for toddlers?
Yes, cut into small pieces for safe, toddler-friendly healthy cereal snacks.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Pancake Mini Muffins
- Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
- Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Your New Favorite Sweet Breakfast!
Conclusion
No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars are a quick, wholesome treat that kids and adults love. These no-bake snack bars are perfect for busy days, school lunches, or summer outings. Make these healthy cereal snacks, get the kids involved, and enjoy their chewy, nutty goodness!
No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- ½ cup 125g peanut butter (natural or creamy)
- ½ cup 170g honey or maple syrup
- 3 cups 120g plain or multigrain Cheerios
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup 45g mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup 40g dried fruit (e.g., raisins or chopped dates)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flax seeds
- ½ tsp cinnamon or vanilla extract
Instructions
Melt Wet Ingredients
- In a small saucepan over low heat, I stir ½ cup peanut butter and ½ cup honey until smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Alternatively, I microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, for a quick base for chewy peanut butter bars.
Mix with Cheerios
- In a large bowl, I pour the peanut butter mixture over 3 cups Cheerios and stir with a spatula until evenly coated, ensuring a crunchy texture for healthy cereal snacks.
Add Optional Extras
- If using, I wait a minute for the mixture to cool, then fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup dried fruit, 1 tbsp chia seeds, or ½ tsp cinnamon for customized no-bake snack bars.
Press into Pan
- I line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, pour in the mixture, and press firmly with a spatula or wet hands for sturdy chewy peanut butter bars. A tight press prevents crumbling.
Chill and Slice
- I refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour until set. I lift the mixture out using the parchment, then slice into 12 bars or smaller squares for these No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Press the mixture firmly to help the bars hold together.
- Cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges.
- Store in fridge for 1 week or freeze up to 2 months.
- For nut-free, swap peanut butter with sunflower seed or soy nut butter.
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