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: August 21, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe requires no baking, making it simple to whip up in just 20 minutes.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping to mix the ingredients and enjoy eating these fun bars!
Versatile Snack: Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or as an after-school snack.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with whole grain Cheerios and protein-rich peanuts.
Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick baking spray: Ensures easy removal of the bars from the pan without sticking.
Medium saucepan: Ideal for heating the sugar and corn syrup mixture evenly.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without mess.

Ingredients

For the Bars

1 cup white sugar
1 ¼ cups light corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
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. This will ensure your bars come out easily once cooled.

Step 2: Boil Sugar Mixture

In a medium saucepan, mix together 1 cup white sugar and 1 ¼ cups light corn syrup. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 cup peanut butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine with Cheerios

In a large mixing bowl, pour in 6 cups Cheerios and 1 cup peanuts. Pour the peanut butter mixture over this. Stir gently until everything is combined thoroughly.

Step 5: Set in Pan

Spread the Cheerio mixture evenly in your prepared baking pan. Let it cool completely before cutting into bars for serving. Enjoy your delicious No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars!

How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

These delicious No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you want a quick snack or a dessert to share, here are some creative serving ideas.

For a Simple Snack

Pack them for lunch: These bars are great to take along for school or work lunches, providing energy and satisfaction.
Enjoy with coffee: Pair these bars with your favorite cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

As a Dessert Option

Top with chocolate drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Serve with fruit: Fresh fruit like bananas or strawberries can complement the chewy texture of the bars beautifully.

During Celebrations

Cut into fun shapes: Use cookie cutters to shape the bars for parties, making them visually appealing for guests.
Create a dessert platter: Arrange these bars with other treats for a festive dessert table at gatherings or celebrations.

How to Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

To ensure your No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your peanut butter and Cheerios are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Measure accurately: Precise measurements will help achieve the right consistency in your bars.
Let them cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting them to avoid crumbling.
Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or dried fruits for additional flavors and textures.
Store properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from getting stale.

Best Side Dishes for No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Pairing side dishes with No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars can enhance your snack time. Here are some fantastic suggestions.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds refreshing sweetness that balances the rich flavors of the bars.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with berries and granola for a nutritious side that complements the chewy texture.
Veggie Sticks: Crunchy veggies like carrots and celery provide a healthy contrast and add some crunch.
Trail Mix: A blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits can be a perfect crunchy counterpoint to your chewy bars.
Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses with crackers; this combination offers a savory option alongside sweet bars.
Chocolate Milkshake: A creamy milkshake pairs well, creating a delightful balance between sweet and indulgent flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Using the wrong pan size: If you use a pan that is too small, the mixture may overflow while cooling. Always use a 9×13 inch pan as specified.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision. Use dry and liquid measuring cups to ensure that you add the right amounts of sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter.
Skipping the cooling step: Cutting the bars too soon can lead to a messy snack. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing for neat bars.
Overheating the mixture: Boiling the sugar and corn syrup too long can cause it to harden excessively. Bring it just to a boil and then remove from heat immediately.
Using crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth: Crunchy peanut butter can affect the texture of your bars. Stick with smooth peanut butter for a consistent mix.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Keep them at room temperature for best texture, but refrigerate if you prefer them firmer.

Freezing No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 5 minutes until soft.
Microwave: Heat on high for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm. Watch closely to avoid melting.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat and warm gently, turning frequently to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other cereals?

Yes! You can substitute Cheerios with other cereals like Rice Krispies or Cornflakes for different flavors and textures.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make gluten-free No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars, use gluten-free Cheerios and check that your peanut butter is also certified gluten-free.

Can I add mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.

What is the best way to cut these bars?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife coated with nonstick spray. It’s best to cut after they have cooled completely in the pan.

Final Thoughts

These No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are not only delightfully chewy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you need a quick snack or a sweet treat, these bars are sure to please everyone. Give them a try today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card