These Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are an absolute game-changer when it comes to satisfying those sweet-and-salty cravings.
You only need a handful of simple ingredients and about 5 minutes of hands-on time to whip up these tasty treats. No baking is required! Just melt, mix, and chill.
These bars are the perfect solution for those hectic mornings when you need a quick breakfast on the go or those afternoon slumps when you're craving something sweet and satisfying.
Why You Will Love This Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Let me count the reasons to love these tasty bites!
Incredibly Easy: This recipe is a total breeze to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and almost no cooking. It's the perfect no-fuss treat!
Nostalgic Flavors: The combination of peanut butter, honey, and Cheerios is pure nostalgia in every bite. These bars taste like your favorite childhood snack, but better.
Customizable: While delicious as written, you can easily put your spin on the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Kid-Friendly: Kids of all ages adore the sweet and salty peanut butter flavor paired with the crunch of Cheerios. It's a fun snack they can even help make!
No Baking Required: Avoiding turning on the oven makes this recipe perfect for warm weather. Just a few minutes on the stove is all it takes.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s everything you need for this savory sensation:
- Cheerios Cereal: This is the main ingredient that provides the crunchy texture and base for the bars. Plain or honey nut Cheerios work best.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter acts as a binder and provides nutty flavor. Creamy or crunchy peanut butter can be used.
- Honey: Honey not only sweetens the bars but also helps hold the cereal together when combined with the peanut butter. It can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Olive Oil (Optional): A small amount of olive oil can be added to the peanut butter and honey mixture to prevent sticking and make coating the cereal easier.
How To Make Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
Step2.In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter and honey. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is melted and well combined. Be careful not to overheat.
Step3.Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the Cheerios cereal until fully coated with the peanut butter-honey mixture.
Step4.Transfer the coated Cheerios to the prepared baking pan and use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture evenly into the pan, compacting it well.
Step5.Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are completely set.
Step6.Once set, remove the bars from the pan by lifting the parchment paper or foil. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice into squares or bars.
Step7.For the best texture, let the bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips For The Best Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the peanut butter and honey to come to room temperature before starting. This will help them blend smoothly without seizing up.
- Don't Overheat the Mixture: When heating the peanut butter and honey, only heat until just combined and slightly bubbling around the edges. Overheating can cause the bars to become too firm or dry.
- Coat the Cheerios Thoroughly: Make sure to stir the Cheerios into the peanut butter-honey mixture until every piece is evenly coated. This ensures the bars will hold together properly.
- Press firmly into the Pan: After transferring the mixture to the pan, use a piece of parchment or wax paper to firmly press it into an even, compact layer. This helps the bars set up with the right texture.
- Chill Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to chill for the full recommended time, at least 1-2 hours. This sets them up to cut cleanly into neat squares or bars.
- Add Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor: Get creative by mixing in extras like chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, coconut, or even a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the peanut butter mixture.
How To Store
Here’s how to store them
Storing: Store the peanut butter Cheerio bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The bars will remain fresh and chewy.
Freezing: For longer storage, the bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bars will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: There's no need to reheat the bars if enjoying them at room temperature. However, if you prefer a warm treat, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the bars can become overly soft or dry out.
Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
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Ingredients
- 360 g 2 ¾ cups Plain Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal
- 120 g ½ cup Honey
- 120 g ½ cup Smooth Peanut Butter
- 5 ml 1 teaspoon Olive Oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, peanut butter, and olive oil (if using). Heat over low, stirring frequently, until warm and well blended with a slight bubbling texture.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the Cheerios cereal. Gently fold the cereal into the honey-peanut butter mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a greased 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread and press the mixture into an even, compact layer.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set completely.
- Once set, remove from the fridge and slice into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
Notes
- Olive Oil: Adding a touch of olive oil helps prevent sticking and makes the coating process smoother, but it's optional.
- Storage: Keep the bars at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before enjoying.
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. Different cereals like multigrain or regular Cheerios also work.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes, absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter are great peanut-free alternatives that work well in this recipe.
Do I have to refrigerate the bars?
Chilling is necessary to allow the bars to set and hold their shape. An hour in the fridge is the minimum, but you can chill them longer for a firmer texture.
Can I add any extra ingredients?
Get creative with mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or your favorite cereal. Just be mindful of adjusting quantities if adding a lot of extras.
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