Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, wholesome snack the whole family can get excited about, these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are about to steal the show! Packed with nutty richness, a touch of golden sweetness, and an irresistible crunch from plain Cheerios, these bars are pure nostalgia—yet they’re completely simple, with only three real-food ingredients. Whether you need an easy grab-and-go breakfast, a lunchbox hero, or an after-school treat, you’ll find yourself coming back to Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need to raid your pantry for this recipe—all it takes is a trio of kitchen staples to create bars that taste far more indulgent than they are. Every ingredient brings character, from sticky-sweet honey to the nutty bite of peanut butter, and that iconic Cheerio crunch.

• Peanut butter: Go for creamy, unsalted peanut butter with just peanuts listed on the label for a clean flavor, but your family favorite will work perfectly too!
• Honey: Choose a good, mild honey—its naturally floral sweetness binds the bars together and adds a beautiful golden hue (keep in mind, honey isn’t suitable for children under 1 year).
• Plain Cheerios: These familiar circles create the signature crunch and heartiness, making the bars satisfyingly chewy and slightly crisp.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Step 1: Melt the Peanut Butter and Honey

Start by combining your peanut butter and honey in a microwave-safe dish. Pop it into the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and liquid. If you prefer, you can also do this in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. Stir until silky and thoroughly combined—this will become the flavorful glue holding your bars together!

Step 2: Add the Cheerios

Once your peanut butter and honey are nicely melted, immediately pour in all of your plain Cheerios. Grab a sturdy spoon or spatula and fold everything gently. You want every last Cheerio to get a shiny coat of that nutty, sweet blend for full flavor and a perfect bite throughout.

Step 3: Press Into the Pan

Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square dish with parchment paper. Scrape your sticky Cheerio mixture into the pan. With greased hands or the back of a spoon, gently but firmly press it down into an even layer—press well so the bars will hold together once set! No pan? No worries, flatten it out on a baking sheet for thinner bars.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Transfer your pan to the fridge and let the Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars set until firm—usually an hour does the trick. Once they’re nice and solid, simply lift them out with the parchment, place on a cutting board, and slice into squares or bars. Admire those perfectly packed layers!

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Your work is done! Keep these bars covered in the fridge to preserve their chewy snap. They’re ready for snacking straight from the fridge or popping into lunchboxes for a midday treat you can totally feel good about.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Garnishes

Sometimes the simplest garnish makes all the difference. A quick drizzle of melted chocolate, a scatter of toasted coconut, or a light dusting of chopped peanuts adds extra flair and fun for kids and grown-ups alike. Presentation feels special, but keeps things easy and approachable!

Side Dishes

These Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars shine as a snack, but you can effortlessly round them out for breakfast alongside a bowl of fruit salad, a serving of Greek yogurt, or even a comforting cup of warm milk. They also make a sweet finish to lunch paired with fresh apple slices or crunchy veggie sticks.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut them small and tuck into mini muffin liners for instant “energy bites” at a playdate, or layer them in a jar with parchment for a homemade gift. Pack in reusable snack bags for road trips, or add them to a back-to-school snack tray. Their eye-catching simplicity makes them feel at home just about anywhere!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bars are firm and sliced, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, chewy, and delicious for up to a week—ready whenever that snack craving hits! The chill helps them hold together beautifully too.

Freezing

Want to make a bigger batch? Go right ahead! Stack your cut bars between sheets of parchment paper, seal in a freezer bag or airtight box, and freeze for up to two months. When you get the urge for a Peanut Butter Cheerio Bar, just let one thaw for a few minutes at room temperature until pleasantly chewy again.

Reheating

No reheating needed—these bars truly shine cold from the fridge! If they’ve been in the freezer, simply let them sit out for a few minutes to return to their ideal soft-but-chewy texture. For a gooier treat, you can microwave a bar for 5-10 seconds (just watch carefully so it doesn’t melt).

FAQs

Can I use another type of cereal instead of Cheerios?

Absolutely! While traditional Cheerios provide the classic texture for Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars, swapping in other wholesome oat-based cereals or even multigrain round cereals can also work. Just make sure to pick something sturdy that can handle the sticky peanut butter and honey mixture.

Are these bars safe for toddlers?

Yes, with one caution: honey should not be given to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism. For older toddlers and kids, these bars are a fantastic finger food—easy to grip, not overly sweet, and packed with simple ingredients you recognize.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

If you need a nut-free option, sunbutter or a creamy seed butter makes a great peanut butter alternative. The bars will still bind and taste delicious. Always double-check your seed butter for additives, as some can be a little saltier or sweeter than peanut butter.

How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?

The key to sturdy bars is pressing the mixture very firmly into your lined baking dish and letting them chill long enough to set. If your mix feels too loose, try adding a tablespoon or two more of peanut butter and honey to help everything stick together.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Double all ingredients and use a larger pan, like a 9×13-inch baking dish. The bars will set just as beautifully, and you’ll have plenty to share—which is great, because Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars tend to disappear fast!

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about these nostalgic, ultra-simple Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars. If you’re after a treat everyone will love, from energetic kiddos to grown-up snackers, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying. Give them a try and see how quickly they become your new favorite homemade bar!

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