Simple, wholesome, and irresistibly crunchy—these no-bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars bring together creamy peanut butter, golden honey, and hearty Cheerios in perfect harmony. They’re easy to slice, easy to grab, and easy to love. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a lunchbox boost, or a satisfying after-school treat, these bars deliver on convenience without sacrificing flavor. They stay together beautifully and admit endless customizations—think mix-ins, flavored peanut butters, or drizzle toppings—for a snack that’s just right for everyone.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 cups Original Cheerios
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½ cup creamy peanut butter
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½ cup honey
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted. Stir in vanilla.
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Pour Cheerios into a mixing bowl and gently fold in the melted peanut butter–honey mixture until evenly coated.
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Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create an even layer.
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Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour until set. Remove from pan using parchment overhang and slice into 9 bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Setting Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: approx. 170 kcal per bar | Servings: 9 bars
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars – The Perfect Balance of Simplicity and Nutrition
There’s something timeless about peanut butter and cereal—it’s a pairing that spans generations, effortlessly combining creamy richness with hearty crunch. The No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars take that nostalgic comfort and elevate it into a snack that’s not only delicious, but also quick, portable, and made with just four pantry-staple ingredients.
These bars capture the best of home snacking: the ease of minimal preparation, the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your food, and the versatility to make them fit any lifestyle. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to prep healthy lunchbox snacks, a college student with a tiny kitchen, or simply someone who values wholesome, grab-and-go fuel, this recipe checks every box.
A Snack with History
Peanut butter cereal bars are not a new invention—they’ve been a staple in American kitchens for decades. In the 1970s and 80s, no-bake treats made with pantry ingredients became especially popular for their cost-effectiveness and speed. Cheerios, one of the most beloved cereals in the U.S., was often the base because of its mild flavor and nutritional profile.
Fast forward to today, and these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars remain just as relevant. They are proof that simple recipes can withstand the test of time while adapting to modern dietary needs—offering a gluten-free option, refined sugar alternatives like honey, and the potential for nut-free variations.
Why This Recipe Works
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Four Ingredients, Zero Fuss
You only need Cheerios, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. The short ingredient list makes these bars ideal for last-minute snack prep, and all the ingredients are shelf-stable or long-lasting. -
No Baking Required
This means no oven, no complicated steps, and virtually no mess. The only “cooking” involved is gently melting peanut butter with honey—something even kids can help with (under supervision). -
Wholesome Energy
The natural fats and protein from peanut butter keep you feeling satisfied, while the honey provides quick energy and the whole grains in Cheerios contribute slow-burning carbs. -
Family-Friendly Flavor
The flavor combination is universally loved. The nutty creaminess, mild sweetness, and airy crunch appeal to kids and adults alike. -
Highly Customizable
Add mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter to make it allergy-friendly.
Health Benefits
While these bars are undeniably a treat, they still offer notable nutritional advantages:
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Protein Boost – Peanut butter provides 7–8g of protein per 2 tablespoons, helping with satiety and muscle repair.
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Heart-Healthy Fats – Monounsaturated fats in peanuts are known to support cardiovascular health.
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Whole Grains – Cheerios are made from whole-grain oats, which provide fiber and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
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Natural Sweetening – Using honey instead of refined sugar adds minerals, antioxidants, and a gentler sweetness.
Of course, moderation is key—but when compared to processed snack bars filled with artificial ingredients, these homemade bars are a win-win.
Perfect for Every Occasion
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School Lunches – Individually wrap them and pop them into lunchboxes for an energy-packed recess snack.
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Post-Workout Fuel – The balance of carbs and protein makes them great for muscle recovery.
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Travel & Road Trips – They hold their shape well and don’t require refrigeration for short periods.
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Party Snack Tables – Cut them into bite-size squares for an easy finger food option.
Storage & Shelf Life
These bars are best stored in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container with parchment between layers—they’ll last up to two months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
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Press Firmly – When transferring the mixture into your pan, use the back of a spoon or greased spatula to press it down tightly. This ensures the bars hold their shape.
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Warm Peanut Butter Gently – Overheating can cause separation or a greasy texture. Aim for gentle melting until just combined with honey.
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Cut Before Fully Chilled – For cleaner slices, score the bars after about 30 minutes of chilling, then finish setting them.
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Experiment with Flavors – Try adding cocoa powder to the peanut butter mixture for a chocolatey twist.
Why These Beat Store-Bought Snack Bars
Store-bought cereal bars often have long ingredient lists with preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sugar. These homemade Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars contain only real, recognizable ingredients, and you control the sweetness and portion size. They’re fresher, softer, and far more satisfying.
Plus, making them at home costs significantly less than buying pre-packaged bars. A single batch can make 9 generously sized bars for the price of two or three store-bought equivalents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars nut-free?
Yes! Simply replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. The texture and sweetness will be very similar, but the flavor will have a slightly different profile. This makes the recipe safe for nut-free schools and allergy-sensitive households.
2. How long do these bars last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they last up to 7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking.
3. Do I need to refrigerate them?
Refrigeration is recommended to keep the bars firm and fresh, especially if you live in a warm climate. However, they can sit out at room temperature for several hours without issue, making them great for lunchboxes and travel snacks.
4. Can I use a different cereal instead of Cheerios?
Absolutely. While Cheerios provide a mild flavor and a wholesome crunch, you can use any puffed grain cereal like puffed rice, cornflakes, or multigrain O’s. Just note that different cereals may slightly alter the texture.
5. How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?
The key is pressing the mixture firmly into the pan and letting it set in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting. You can also add a little extra honey to make the mixture stickier if needed.
6. Can I make them vegan?
Yes—swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor and stickiness, so you might need to adjust the amount.
7. Are these bars healthy?
While they are a treat, they are made with simple, real ingredients and contain no preservatives or artificial flavors. Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, Cheerios offer whole grains, and honey provides a natural sweetener.
8. Can I add extra ingredients?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, flaxseeds, or chia seeds all work well. Just keep in mind that too many extras can make the bars crumble, so stick to about ½ cup total add-ins per batch.
9. Can I make them in advance for an event?
Yes—these are perfect for make-ahead prep. Make them 1–2 days before serving and store in the fridge. They actually hold together even better after resting overnight.
10. My bars are too hard—what went wrong?
If they turn out too hard, it usually means the peanut butter mixture was overheated, causing it to become more brittle as it cooled. Next time, melt the peanut butter and honey gently over low heat until just combined.
Conclusion
The beauty of No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars lies in their simplicity, versatility, and nostalgic charm. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of effort, you can create a snack that’s equally loved by kids and adults, fits easily into busy schedules, and offers a satisfying blend of sweetness, crunch, and wholesome nutrition. These bars are more than just a treat—they’re a reminder that homemade snacks don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. They can be tailored to fit your family’s tastes, dietary needs, and even special occasions, making them a recipe worth keeping in your permanent rotation.
