No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars Recipe
Today we are making a No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars Recipe! Get ready to indulge in a treat that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious! Today, we’re diving into the world of cereal bars. These delightful bars are a fun twist on classic cereal treats, combining the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with the crunchy simplicity of Cheerios. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven, these bars are a hit with kids and adults alike.
What makes these bars so special is their incredible ease and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these bars in no time. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up pantry staples, making them a convenient option for busy days. Whether you’re craving something sweet or need a quick energy boost, these No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars are sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars
No Oven Required: One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires no baking! Simply mix, press, and let them set—perfect for those hot days when the last thing you want is to turn on the oven.
Customizable and Kid-Friendly: These bars are incredibly versatile. You can easily add mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra touch. Plus, they’re a great recipe to get kids involved in the kitchen, making it a fun family activity.
Substitutions
Peanut Butter: To make these nut-free, substitute with sunflower seed butter or another seed butter of choice. Tahini is thinner than peanut butter, so I don’t recommend to use this as the bars may not stick together as well.
If you just don’t enjoy the taste of peanut butter, try using almond butter or cashew butter instead.
Cheerios: Swap in a vegan cereal of choice! The best option would be a plain cereal, but not granola that has different sized chunks. The cereal should be even throughout, like cornflakes. Otherwise, the bars may not stick together properly.
Agave Nectar: Substitute with pure maple syrup instead.
Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars Recipe Notes
- Top each bar with nuts or vegan chocolate chips (I used a pecan on each, as shown in the photo). Gently press it down into the top of each bar before cutting.
- Drizzle some creamy peanut butter on top of the bars before refrigerating, for an extra peanut-ty flavor and a healthy “frosting” on top.
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If you make this No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars Recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Spatula
Ingredients
- ¾ cup natural creamy peanut butter softened
- ½ cup + 1 tbsp agave nectar
- 3 cups plain cheerios cereal
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp pink salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the agave nectar, peanut butter, vanilla and salt. If the peanut butter is not very soft, you can heat it up a little until softened.
- Add in the cheerios. Stir until a cereal mixture forms.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Transfer the cheerios mixture to the pan.
- Press the mixture into the pan. Make sure to press down firmly. This helps the bars hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart when you cut them. Using the back of a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup can help with this.
- Place the bars in the freezer for an hour.
- After this time, run a knife under hot water. Use this to cut the bars into 12 servings.
- Transfer the bars to an airtight container, keeping a layer of parchment paper in between them when layering on top of one another. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
