No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars -

If there was ever a “lazy mom” treat, this would be the one! I bake this for a quick snack for our evening tea or when my kids are craving a “pick me up” in the middle of the day.

I even baked it for my mom once with coffee, and she loved it!

Source: alkeller89

Jump to Recipe

I am not ashamed of my quick-whip snacks, salads, or lunches.

In fact, they are the pride of my recipe list. They are filling, and everyone leaves the table with warm and full tummies.

This is a no-bake, 3-ingredient, quick recipe. Remember those after-school snacks you’d eagerly wait for? For me, it was always a handful of those honey-coated Cheerios.

But sometimes, you crave something a little more substantial.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars recipe

That’s where these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars come in! They’re the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy treat that’s also fun to make with the kids.

The inspiration for this recipe struck me when I was reminiscing about my childhood after-school snacks. I realized I could create a more filling and satisfying version of those Cheerios by combining them with peanut butter and honey.

The result? These irresistible No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars that are not only delicious but also evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Source: Kathryns.kitchen.blog

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

No-Bake: This recipe is incredibly simple to make, requiring no baking time and minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
Kid-Friendly: These bars are a fun activity to make with kids. They’ll love getting their hands involved in mixing the ingredients and pressing the bars into the pan.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative and add in your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
Delicious and Nutritious: These bars are a good source of protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and nutritious snack option.

Ingredients

Honey: The natural sweetener in this recipe. I prefer using a mild honey, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
Peanut Butter: The star of the show! For the creamiest results, I recommend using a brand that you like to stir. If you’re using a natural peanut butter that separates, be sure to give it a good stir before using it.
Cheerios: The base of the bars. You can use the classic Cheerios or a fun variety like Honey Nut Cheerios or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

How to Make

Source: The_lazy_dish

Melt the Honey: In a large saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it’s melted and runny. Be careful not to overheat the honey, as it can burn.
Add the Peanut Butter: Once the honey is melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until it’s well combined. Here’s a little tip: If your peanut butter is really thick, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up before adding it to the honey. This will make it easier to stir in.
Mix in the Cheerios: Pour the Cheerio cereal into the peanut butter mixture and stir gently until the cereal is evenly coated. I like to use a wooden spoon for this step, as it helps to avoid crushing the Cheerios.
Press into Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the Cheerio mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly with a spoon or spatula to make sure the bars are evenly packed. Here’s a personal touch: I like to get my kids involved in this step. They love pressing the Cheerio mixture into the pan!
Refrigerate and Enjoy: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the bars chill for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm. Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and enjoy!

Healthy Add-Ins

I love the idea of adding nuts and seeds to this recipe! It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. I’ve tried adding chopped almonds and chia seeds to the mix, and it adds a delicious crunch and a boost of protein.

You can also experiment with different nuts and seeds to find your favorite combination.

Source: The_lazy_dish

Chef’s Tips

For a richer peanut butter flavor, try using dark roast peanut butter.
Want a chewier bar? Add a cup of mini marshmallows to the mixture before pressing it into the pan.
Decorate the top of the bars with melted chocolate, sprinkles, or chopped nuts.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

I hope you enjoy this recipe. These bars are a delightful indulgence that combines the sweet crunch of Cheerios with the rich creaminess of peanut butter, all held together with a touch of honey.

They’re no-bake, which means minimal mess and maximum convenience – ideal for those days when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile.

You can easily customize them to your liking by adding in your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.

FAQs

Are Cheerios healthy to eat?

They’re a great way to start the day, especially for kids. I like that they’re made with whole grains and don’t have any artificial colors or flavors.

They’re a good source of fiber too! Plus, they’re versatile – you can eat them plain, with milk, or even add them to trail mix.

Is no sugar peanut butter good for this recipe?

I always try to choose sugar-free peanut butter when I can. It’s a great way to enjoy the nutty flavor without all the extra sugar.

Plus, it’s a good source of protein and healthy fats. I like to use it as a dip for fruits, a spread on toast, or even as a secret ingredient in smoothies.

How to Keep Cheerio Treats from Sticking?

I’ve learned that this mixture can get quite sticky, so I always keep a can of cooking spray handy. I spray my hands, utensils, and even the baking pan to prevent the mixture from sticking.

To make cleanup even easier, I line the pan with parchment paper before adding the mixture. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve set.

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