Name: Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy); ½ cup honey; 4 cups plain Cheerios

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Description:
These Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are a simple and wholesome snack—sweetened with honey and bound by creamy peanut butter. With just three ingredients, you’ll have chewy, crunchy bars that are perfect for lunchboxes, snacking, or a quick energy boost.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly easy – Just melt, mix, press, and chill—no baking required.
Minimal ingredients – Only peanut butter, honey, and Cheerios, with flexibility for what you already have.
Kid-friendly and customizable – Great for little hands. Add mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips if desired.
Perfect make-ahead treat – Prep on Sunday, snack throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup peanut butter (ideally unsalted, made from just peanuts—but any kind works)
½ cup honey (not suitable for children under 1 year old)
4 cups plain Cheerios

Instructions

Melt the binding ingredients
- In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the peanut butter and honey together until melted and smooth—about 30 seconds.
- Alternatively, melt on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until combined.
Mix it up
- Pour the melted mixture over the Cheerios and stir thoroughly until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Form the bars
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan with parchment paper, or use a cookie sheet.
- Press the Cheerio mixture firmly into the pan to flatten evenly.
Chill until set
- Refrigerate until the bars are fully hardened—usually about 30 minutes to an hour.
Serve and store
- Lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice as desired, and enjoy.
- Store covered in the fridge to keep their shape and freshness.

Servings & Timing

Makes: 9–12 bars, depending on cut size
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Chill time: ~30–60 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour

Variations

Crunchy or smooth: Use crunchy peanut butter or swap for almond or sun butter for different textures.
Boost the flavor: Stir in mini chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts before chilling.
Go nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for allergy-friendly bars.

Storage / Shelf Life

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge or enjoy slightly softened.

FAQs

1. Can I make these nut-free?
Yes—use a nut-free butter like sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.

2. Is honey safe for kids?
No—do not serve honey to children under 1 year due to the risk of infant botulism.

3. Can I bake the bars instead of chilling?
Chilling is the standard method. Baking would dry them out and change their texture.

4. Can I use flavored Cheerios?
You can, but plain Cheerios keep the flavor balanced. Flavored variants may add sweetness or alter the taste.

5. Why refrigerate instead of leaving at room temperature?
Refrigeration helps the bars firm up quickly and stay solid—though if your kitchen is cool, room temp may work.

6. Can I roll them into balls instead of bars?
Absolutely—use a scoop to create peanut butter Cheerio energy bites for bite-sized treats.

7. My bars are too sticky—help!
Add a bit more cereal or press firmly into the pan to compact, helping them hold together.

8. Do they hold at room temp?
In cool environments, yes—just be mindful they soften in warmer temps due to honey.

9. What’s the easiest way to cut clean bars?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water (and wiped dry) for smooth, clean cuts without crumbs.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—double everything and press into a larger pan or twice as thick for hearty bars.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are a fail-safe, tasty, and nutritious snack—quick to make and endlessly adaptable. With only three ingredients, they’re a perfect base for whatever add-ins you like. Let me know if you’d like ideas for nut-free, chocolatey, or protein-boosted versions!