These bars are the kind of snack you make once and then wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty in all the right ways—and they come together in minutes. No oven, no fuss, and only a handful of pantry ingredients.
Kids love them, adults sneak seconds, and they’re perfect for school lunches, movie nights, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
What Makes This Special
These bars are a happy marriage of simple ingredients that just work. Peanut butter adds richness and protein, while honey (or syrup) brings gentle sweetness and a soft, chewy texture. Cheerios offer a satisfying crunch without being heavy.
The best part? You can make them in one pot, press them into a pan, and you’re done. They’re also easy to customize.
Want chocolate? Add chips. Need them dairy-free?
Skip the butter. Have a nut allergy? Swap in seed butter.
This recipe flexes with your pantry and your preferences.
Ingredients
- 4 cups plain Cheerios (or your favorite O-shaped cereal)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular; see notes below)
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness; use coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (reduce if using salted peanut butter)
- Optional add-ins: 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, mini marshmallows, or dried fruit
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your pan. Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This makes lifting and slicing easier.
- Measure the cereal. Add the Cheerios to a large mixing bowl. If you’re using fragile add-ins like mini marshmallows or chips, keep them aside for now.
- Warm the base. In a medium saucepan, add peanut butter, honey, and butter. Heat over low to medium-low, stirring constantly, until smooth and glossy—about 2–3 minutes. Do not boil.
- Add flavor. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt. Taste and adjust the salt if needed, especially if your peanut butter is unsalted.
- Combine with cereal. Pour the warm mixture over the Cheerios. Using a flexible spatula, gently fold until every piece is coated. Work quickly to keep the mixture pliable.
- Stir in add-ins. If using chocolate chips and you want them to stay whole, let the mixture cool for 1–2 minutes before folding them in. Otherwise, add them immediately for a swirled, melty effect.
- Press into the pan. Transfer the mixture to the lined pan. Lightly grease your hands or the back of a spoon and press the mixture firmly and evenly into the corners. Firm packing helps the bars hold together.
- Set and slice. Let the pan sit at room temperature for about 45–60 minutes, or chill for 20–30 minutes until firm. Use the parchment to lift, then slice into 12–16 bars.
- Serve. Enjoy immediately, or store for later using the tips below.
How to Store
- Room temperature: Keep bars in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week for a firmer, chewier texture. Let sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating if you prefer them softer.
- Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or enjoy slightly chilled.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick and no-bake: You’ll be done in about 15 minutes of hands-on time.
- Budget-friendly: Uses staples most people already have.
- Balanced snack: Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, making these more satisfying than typical sweets.
- Kid-approved: Crunchy, a little sweet, and easy to pack for lunch or snacks.
- Flexible: Works with substitutes like almond or sunflower seed butter and different sweeteners.
What Not to Do
- Don’t overheat the peanut butter mixture. Boiling can make it greasy and cause the bars to become hard or crumbly.
- Don’t skip pressing firmly. Light packing leads to loose, crumbly bars that fall apart when sliced.
- Don’t add too many mix-ins. More than about 1/2 cup total can keep the bars from binding well.
- Don’t use stale cereal. Fresh, crisp cereal is key to good texture.
- Don’t cut while warm. Letting the bars set ensures clean slices and better structure.
Variations You Can Try
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 1/3 cup chocolate chips and drizzle over the pressed bars before chilling.
- Salted Peanut Crunch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt and chopped roasted peanuts on top for extra crunch and contrast.
- Trail Mix Bars: Add 2 tablespoons each of mini chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped almonds.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter and ensure your cereal is processed in a nut-free facility.
- Maple Almond: Swap peanut butter for almond butter and use maple syrup. Add a pinch of cinnamon.
- Protein Boost: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder. If the mixture seems dry, add a teaspoon of honey.
- Extra Fiber: Mix 1/4 cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds with the cereal before coating.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes.
Stir it very well so the oil is fully incorporated. Natural peanut butter can make the mixture slightly looser, so press the bars firmly and chill to set. If it seems too runny, add an extra handful of cereal.
What if I don’t have honey?
Maple syrup works, as does brown rice syrup for a stickier, more binding result.
Agave syrup is an option but will make the bars sweeter and softer.
Why did my bars fall apart?
Common reasons include not pressing the mixture firmly, adding too many mix-ins, or cutting before the bars set. Also check that your peanut butter mixture wasn’t overheated or too dry—if so, add a tablespoon more honey and remix.
How do I make these vegan?
Use maple or brown rice syrup instead of honey and swap the butter for coconut oil or skip it. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips if you’re adding chocolate.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely.
Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase all ingredients proportionally. The bars may need a little extra time to set before slicing.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be. Use certified gluten-free O-shaped cereal and check labels on peanut butter and add-ins to avoid cross-contamination.
How sweet are these bars?
They’re moderately sweet—more like a snack bar than a candy bar.
For a less sweet version, reduce honey to 1/3 cup and add 1 tablespoon water to help bind.
Can I add cocoa powder?
Yes. Whisk 1–2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa into the warm peanut butter mixture. If it thickens too much, add 1–2 teaspoons more honey.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
Chill the pan briefly, then use a sharp knife lightly greased with oil.
Wipe the blade between cuts for neat edges.
Do these hold up in lunch boxes?
They do, especially if pressed firmly and chilled before packing. If your environment is very warm, include an ice pack to keep them from softening.
In Conclusion
Easy Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are the definition of low effort, high reward. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and satisfying without being fussy.
Keep the ingredients on hand and you’ll always have a fast snack option that tastes like a treat. Once you see how simple and dependable they are, they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen.
