Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars make the perfect quick snack when you need something sweet, simple, and satisfying. With just three ingredients and no baking required, these bars come together in minutes. Even better, Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars use pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Because they set in the freezer, you don't need to turn on the oven. As a result, they work beautifully for warm afternoons, busy school nights, or last-minute dessert needs. Whether you pack them in a lunchbox or slice them for an after-school snack, these bars always disappear fast.
I first made these on a hectic weekday when I needed something quick for my kids. I had a giant box of cereal taking over the pantry, and I didn't want it to go stale. So, I melted peanut butter with honey, stirred in the cereal, and pressed everything into a pan. After freezing them briefly, I sliced them into squares. They vanished within hours. Since then, Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars have become our go-to easy treat.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Add peanut butter and honey to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and continue heating in 15-second intervals until warm and smooth.
- Stir in cereal and fold gently until evenly coated.
- Press mixture firmly into prepared pan in an even layer.
- Place parchment or plastic wrap on top and press down firmly.
- Freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
- Remove from freezer, slice into bars, and store in refrigerator.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You'll Love Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Only Three Simple Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars rely on three everyday ingredients: peanut butter, honey, and cereal. Because the ingredient list stays short, prep stays easy. You don't need flour, eggs, butter, or baking powder. Instead, the peanut butter binds everything together, while honey adds natural sweetness and chewiness.
Moreover, the cereal adds structure and crunch. Every bite offers a balance of creamy and crispy textures. Since the recipe stays flexible, you can also adjust it based on what you have in your pantry.
No-Bake and Beginner-Friendly
Because Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars require no baking, anyone can make them successfully. You simply warm the peanut butter and honey, stir in cereal, press into a pan, and freeze.
Additionally, this recipe works great for beginner cooks. Kids can help stir and press the mixture. Since there's no complicated technique involved, you get consistent results every time. Even better, you only need one bowl and one pan, so cleanup stays minimal.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Peanut Butter
Use ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Regular shelf-stable peanut butter works especially well because it holds its shape once chilled. Natural peanut butter can work; however, you should stir it thoroughly first.
If you prefer variety, you can also substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter. As long as the texture stays similar to creamy peanut butter, the bars will hold together.
Honey and Cereal
You'll need ⅓ cup honey to sweeten and bind the mixture. Honey keeps the bars chewy while also helping them firm up once chilled. If necessary, you can substitute agave syrup.
For the cereal, use 3 cups of plain Cheerios-style cereal. You can experiment with flavored varieties, such as chocolate or peanut butter cereal. However, plain cereal keeps the sweetness balanced and lets the peanut butter shine.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
First, line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Alternatively, lightly grease the pan. Lining the pan makes removal easier later.
Meanwhile, measure all ingredients so everything stays ready. Since the mixture firms quickly, preparation helps the process move smoothly.
Step 2: Melt and Mix
Add peanut butter and honey to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. If needed, continue heating in 15-second intervals until the mixture becomes smooth and easy to stir. The mixture should feel warm but not hot.
Next, add the cereal. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold until every piece gets coated. Work carefully so you don't crush the cereal.
Step 3: Press and Freeze
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Then place a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap over the top and press firmly. Pressing firmly ensures the bars hold together.
Afterward, freeze the pan for 30 minutes. Once firm, remove and slice into squares. Finally, store Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars in the refrigerator.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Press Firmly for Best Results
If your bars crumble, you likely didn't press the mixture tightly enough. Therefore, use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to compact everything evenly. The tighter you press, the better the bars hold their shape.
Additionally, freezing helps solidify the honey-peanut butter mixture. So, avoid skipping this step.
Fun Variations to Try
Although classic Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars taste fantastic, you can easily customize them:
- Drizzle melted chocolate on top before freezing.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the cereal mixture.
- Add a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
- Double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan.
Because the base recipe stays simple, these variations work beautifully without extra effort.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
How to Store Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 5 days. However, they taste best within the first 3 to 4 days.
If stacking the bars, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Can You Freeze Them Longer?
Yes, you can freeze Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Because they freeze well, you can prepare them ahead for busy weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars falling apart?
Most likely, the mixture wasn't pressed firmly enough. Additionally, some natural peanut butters contain extra oil, which may affect binding.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture. However, the bars may feel slightly less compact.
Can I reduce the honey?
Reducing honey may cause the bars to crumble. If you prefer less sweetness, try adding a tablespoon more peanut butter instead of removing honey entirely.
Do I have to freeze them?
Freezing helps them set quickly. However, you can refrigerate them for 2-3 hours instead.
Are Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free cereal, the bars can be gluten-free. Always check packaging to confirm.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars prove that simple recipes often taste the best. With only three ingredients and no baking required, they offer convenience without sacrificing flavor. Because they store well and freeze beautifully, they fit easily into busy routines.
Whether you make them for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or quick desserts, Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars deliver chewy, crunchy, peanut-butter goodness every time. Once you try them, you'll likely keep cereal stocked just to make another batch.
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