Easy No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake Cheerio and peanut butter bars are a quick, kid-friendly treat that comes together in minutes and holds up well for lunches, snacks, and gatherings. They require just a handful of pantry staples and no oven time, making them perfect for busy days or baking with little helpers. If you’re planning an afternoon of snacks and activities, you might also enjoy exploring some fun and easy crafts for kids to keep little hands busy while the bars set.

Why these bars work

The combination of melted peanut butter and a sticky sweet binder (honey or light corn syrup) creates a strong yet tender matrix that coats the Cheerios and sets up without baking. The result is a crunchy, slightly chewy bar that can be customized with mix-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or seeds.

Ingredients

• 3 cups plain Cheerios (or your favorite oat cereal)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (substitute sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
• 1/3 cup honey or light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for a bit more chew and sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• 9×9-inch (or similar) pan lined with parchment paper
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Directions

1. Line your pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out later.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, honey (or corn syrup), and brown sugar if using. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and just beginning to bubble, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
3. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Cheerios in a large bowl. Gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated. If using mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit, fold them in now.
4. Transfer the coated cereal to the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly using your spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup. Pressing firmly helps the bars hold together once set.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Lift the set slab from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Tips and variations

• For a chewier texture, increase the brown sugar by 2 tablespoons and melt it with the peanut butter mixture.
• To make them chocolatey, drizzle melted chocolate over the top after they set or fold in mini chocolate chips.
• If making these for toddlers or younger children, consider pairing snack time with simple, nourishing ideas like some easy chicken baby food recipes to round out a meal plan for the week.
• Press bars very firmly when packing into the pan; insufficient pressing is the most common reason bars fall apart.

Conclusion

If you want to compare proportions and see a slightly different spin, the recipe at Erhardt’s Easy Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars recipe offers a classic take with clear measurements. For a nostalgic approach and gift-worthy presentation ideas, there’s a great write-up of nostalgic no-bake Cheerios bars that you may find inspiring.