No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Name: No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 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: July 2, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
No Baking Required: Enjoy the convenience of a no-bake dessert that sets in the fridge while you relax or prepare other dishes.
Versatile Treat: Customize your bars by adding dried fruits, chocolate chips, or other nuts to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly: These bars are a hit with kids, making them an excellent choice for school snacks or family get-togethers.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with peanuts and whole grain Cheerios, they provide energy and satisfaction without excessive guilt.

Tools and Preparation

To make your No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick Spray: Ensures that your Cheerio bars release easily from the pan without sticking.
Medium Saucepan: Perfect for heating and combining ingredients like sugar and corn syrup smoothly.
Large Mixing Bowl: Allows ample space for mixing Cheerios and peanuts with the peanut butter mixture effectively.

Ingredients

For the Base

1 cup white sugar
1 ¼ cups light corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

For the Crunch

1 cup peanuts
6 cups Cheerios

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside. This will prevent your bars from sticking.

Step 2: Cook Sugar Mixture

In a medium saucepan, mix together white sugar and light corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter

Once boiling, remove the pan from heat. Add peanut butter and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for a creamy texture.

Step 4: Combine Cheerios and Peanuts

Pour Cheerios and peanuts into a large mixing bowl. Then pour the peanut butter mixture over this combination. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Set in Pan

Spread the Cheerio mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Press down gently to ensure it holds together well. Let cool for about 60 minutes before cutting into bars.

Enjoy your delicious No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars as a tasty snack or dessert!

How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

These No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a quick snack, these bars can fit right in.

For a Sweet Snack

On-the-go treat: Cut the bars into smaller pieces for a portable snack option that’s perfect for busy days.
Lunchbox surprise: Pack these bars in lunchboxes for a delightful midday pick-me-up.

As a Dessert

With ice cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Topped with fruits: Add sliced bananas or strawberries on top for a refreshing twist.

For Gatherings

Party platter: Arrange the bars on a platter with other snacks like fruits and nuts for a colorful display.
Movie night treat: Serve during movie nights for a fun, chewy addition to your snacks.

How to Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Perfecting these No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars can elevate their taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your peanut butter and Cheerios are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Measure accurately: Accurate measurements of sugar and corn syrup will help achieve the right consistency.
Mix thoroughly: Stir the peanut butter mixture well before combining it with Cheerios to ensure even coating.
Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, as this helps them set better and prevents crumbling.

Best Side Dishes for No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Pairing side dishes with your No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars can create a balanced snack spread. Here are some great options to consider.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the sweetness of the bars.
Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy veggies paired with creamy hummus provide a healthy contrast to the chewy bars.
Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses, which can enhance flavors and provide richness alongside the sweetness.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side dish that pairs well with the bars.
Trail Mix: Create a simple trail mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to complement the chewy texture of the bars.
Roasted Chickpeas: Seasoned roasted chickpeas add crunchiness and protein, balancing out the sweetness of your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some pitfalls to sidestep:

Not Using Nonstick Spray: Failing to spray the pan can lead to bars sticking. Always use nonstick spray or line your pan with parchment paper.
Rushing the Boil: If you don’t let the sugar and corn syrup boil properly, the mixture won’t set. Make sure to bring it to a full boil before removing it from heat.
Skipping the Mixing Step: Not combining the peanut butter mixture thoroughly with Cheerios and peanuts can leave dry spots. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Cutting Too Soon: Cutting the bars before they cool can result in messy pieces. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Storing Incorrectly: Keeping bars in an open container leads to drying out. Store them in an airtight container for freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds until slightly warm but not melted.
Stovetop: Place bars on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars?

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that requires no baking. They are made with Cheerios, peanut butter, and sugar.

How long do No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars last?

These bars can last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.

Can I customize No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars?

Yes! You can add ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts based on your preferences.

Are No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars healthy?

While they contain sugar and peanut butter, they also offer some nutritional benefits from Cheerios and peanuts. Enjoy them as an occasional treat!

Final Thoughts

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins according to your tastes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful chewy snacks at any time!

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