No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Name: No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup white sugar; 1 ¼ cups light corn syrup; 1 cup peanut butter; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup peanuts; 6 cups Cheerios

Published: July 21, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Make: In just 20 minutes, you can prepare these delicious treats without turning on the oven.
No Baking Required: Enjoy all the fun of baking without the hassle of heat. Just mix, cool, and cut!
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or seeds to customize your bars to your taste.
Kid-Friendly: These bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for little hands. Kids love them!
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch at the start of the week for healthy snacks that last.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this simple recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick spray
Medium saucepan
Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
9×13 inch baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring that your bars come out smoothly from the pan.
Medium saucepan: Ideal size for heating and mixing the sugar syrup without spilling.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients thoroughly without mess.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing and scraping down the sides of bowls.

Ingredients

To create these delightful No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars, gather the following ingredients:

For the Base

1 cup white sugar
1 ¼ cups light corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

For the Crunch

1 cup peanuts
6 cups Cheerios

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set it aside. This will help ensure that your bars come out easily once they’re set.

Step 2: Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup

In a medium saucepan, mix together white sugar and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla

Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. Add in peanut butter and vanilla, stirring until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix Cheerios and Peanuts

In a large mixing bowl, pour in Cheerios and peanuts. Then, pour the peanut butter mixture over them. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Spread in Pan and Cool

Spread the Cheerio mixture into your prepared pan. Press it down firmly so it holds together well. Let it cool completely before cutting into bars.

These No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are not just delicious—they’re also easy to make! Enjoy them as a sweet treat or an energy-packed snack throughout your day.

How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. They make an excellent snack for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

As a Party Snack

Serve these bars cut into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking at parties. Their chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor will please any crowd.

With Fresh Fruit

Pair the bars with fresh fruit like apples or bananas. The sweetness of the fruit complements the nutty flavor, making for a balanced snack.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

Crumble the bars over a bowl of yogurt for a delicious breakfast or dessert option. This adds crunch and flavor, elevating the dish.

Drizzled with Chocolate

For a decadent twist, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the bars before serving. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that chocolate lovers will adore.

Packaged for Lunchboxes

Cut the bars into squares and pack them in lunchboxes. They make a nutritious, satisfying treat that kids will love at school.

Enjoyed with Milk

Serve alongside a glass of cold milk or plant-based milk for dunking. This classic combination enhances the overall enjoyment of your snack time.

How to Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Creating the perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out just right.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh peanut butter and Cheerios will improve taste and texture.
Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool properly helps them set firmly, making them easier to cut.
Measure accurately: Precise measurements ensure the right balance of flavors and textures in your bars.
Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruits for added flavor.
Cut with care: Use a sharp knife to cut clean lines without crumbling the bars when slicing.

Best Side Dishes for No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing your snacking experience. Here are some excellent options:

Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits provides refreshing flavors that complement the richness of the bars.
Vegetable Sticks with Hummus
Crunchy veggies like carrots and cucumbers served with hummus create a healthy contrast to sweet treats.
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses balances the sweetness of the bars, offering savory options alongside your dessert.
Trail Mix
A homemade trail mix featuring nuts and dried fruits provides additional crunch and nutrition.
Smoothie Bowl
Creamy smoothie bowls topped with granola make for a delicious pairing that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Popcorn
Lightly salted popcorn serves as a fun, crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the chewy texture of the bars.
Nut Butter Dip
Serve extra peanut butter or almond butter as a dip alongside apple slices for added flavor variety.
Granola Bars
Homemade or store-bought granola bars provide another chewy snack option that’s easy to enjoy on-the-go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars is simple, but there are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

Boldly skip the measuring: Accurate measurements of sugar and corn syrup are crucial. Too much or too little can affect the texture and sweetness.
Neglecting to mix thoroughly: Ensure you mix the peanut butter mixture well with the Cheerios and peanuts. This ensures every bite is flavorful and cohesive.
Using the wrong pan size: Always use a 9×13 inch baking pan as specified. A different size can change the cooking time and texture of the bars.
Skipping cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting is essential. Cutting them too early may result in messy pieces that crumble.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Check that your ingredients, especially the peanut butter and Cheerios, are fresh. Stale ingredients can spoil the taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap for easy access.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until slightly soft.
Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-second intervals until soft; do not overheat.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, warming bars gently while flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars.

Can I use other cereals instead of Cheerios?

Yes! You can substitute Cheerios with other puffed cereals or granola for different textures and flavors.

How do I make these bars healthier?

Consider using natural peanut butter and reducing sugar slightly. You can also add seeds or dried fruits for extra nutrition.

Can I customize the mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or any nuts you love to make your version unique.

How long do No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars last?

When stored properly, these bars last about a week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are a delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors in a chewy format. They are perfect for snacks or desserts! Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is!

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