No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are the perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty. These bars are super simple to make and require just a few ingredients, making them a great go-to snack or dessert. With no need for an oven, this recipe is ideal for busy days, parties, or when you just need a quick treat!

Ingredients

• 4 cups Cheerios (plain or honey-nut)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey (or corn syrup)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional for melting chocolate)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, honey, and sugar.
2. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix in the Cheerios

1. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Cheerios in a large mixing bowl.
2. Stir gently until all the Cheerios are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.

Step 4: Press the Mixture into the Pan

1. Pour the coated Cheerios mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.
2. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate on the stovetop using a double boiler.

Step 6: Top the Bars with Chocolate

1. Pour the melted chocolate over the Cheerios mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Chill the Bars

1. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until the bars are fully set and the chocolate has hardened.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

1. Once the bars have set, remove them from the refrigerator and use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan.
2. Slice the bars into squares or rectangles, and serve.

Cook Notes

• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture, but you can also use crunchy peanut butter if you want some extra texture.
• Honey: You can substitute the honey with corn syrup or maple syrup for a different flavor.
• Chocolate Topping: If you prefer a thicker layer of chocolate, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips to 2 cups.

Variations

Peanut Butter Pretzel Cheerio Bars

For a salty twist, mix 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels into the Cheerio mixture. The salty crunch complements the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter.

S’mores Cheerio Bars

Add 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/4 cup of graham cracker crumbs to the Cheerio mixture for a fun s’mores-inspired treat.

Nutty Cheerio Bars

Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, or cashews, to the Cheerio mixture for extra crunch and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make these bars 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How do I store leftover bars?

Store the leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different cereal?

Absolutely! This recipe works with other cereals like Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, or even a mix of different cereals for a fun twist.

How do I make these bars without added sugar?

For a lower-sugar version, you can use natural peanut butter and substitute the sugar and honey with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or a sugar-free syrup. Keep in mind this may alter the taste slightly.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are a delicious, quick, and easy treat that everyone will love. With a satisfying crunch from the Cheerios and the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, these bars are ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Plus, with no need to bake, you can whip them up in no time!