No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars
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.
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.