Easy No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars

Name: Easy No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 3 cups Cheerios; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup honey; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Whip up a quick and delicious treat for your little ones with these Easy No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars. Perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations, these chewy and crunchy bars combine the wholesome goodness of Cheerios with creamy peanut butter, making them a delightful snack that kids will love. With no baking required, this simple recipe is a fun way to get the kids involved in holiday cooking!

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2025-12-01T15:39:31.034Z

Gather your little ones for a fun and easy cooking experience! These No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars are not only quick to make but also packed with flavor. Ideal for any holiday celebration, they offer a great way to introduce kids to cooking.

A Fun Family Activity

Making Easy No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars is a fantastic way to engage the whole family in the kitchen. Kids love to get their hands involved, and this simple recipe allows them to help with mixing and packing the bars. You might just find that they enjoy creating their own variations using ingredients they love, turning this into a fun family tradition.

Involving children in cooking can help them develop essential skills in the kitchen, such as measuring and stirring. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for parents to bond with their little ones. The excitement of creating a treat together can lead to cherished memories, especially during the festive season.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars are not just for Thanksgiving; they’re a versatile snack that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you need a quick treat for a school lunch, a healthy snack post-sports practice, or a sweet contribution to your next potluck, these bars fit the bill perfectly.

You can easily adapt them for different occasions by incorporating seasonal flavors. For Halloween, consider adding festive sprinkles; during summer, you might toss in some dried fruits for a refreshing twist. This adaptability makes these bars a staple that you’ll find yourself returning to time and again.

Nutritious and Guilt-Free

One of the best things about these no-bake bars is how nutritious they can be. Cheerios provide a good source of whole grains, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Together, they create a snack that will keep your kids satisfied without the guilt that often comes with processed treats.

By making these bars at home, you also have full control over the ingredients. This means you can choose natural peanut butter without added sugars or preservatives, ensuring a healthier snack option. It’s a treat that you can feel good about serving to your family.

Ingredients

For the Bars

3 cups Cheerios
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go!

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter and honey over low heat and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine with Cheerios

In a large mixing bowl, pour the peanut butter mixture over the Cheerios. Stir until all the Cheerios are coated evenly.

Add Chocolate Chips

If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture now.

Shape the Bars

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it down firmly with a spatula.

Chill

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Once set, cut into bars and serve!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storing Your Bars

To keep your Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead snack for busy weeks. Just remember that the bars will be firmer when chilled, so you may need to let them sit out for a few minutes before cutting them into squares.

If you want to store them for longer, consider wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap and freezing them. They can be frozen for up to three months, giving you a quick and easy snack option whenever you need it.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can substitute the peanut butter for other nut butters, like almond or cashew, to vary the flavors. Additionally, try adding ingredients such as shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, or chopped nuts for extra texture and taste. The possibilities are endless and make it a fun experiment for the kids.

You can also adjust the sweetness by incorporating different types of sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. With all these options, you can create a unique snack that suits your family’s preferences perfectly.

Why No-Bake?

No-bake recipes are tremendously appealing, especially for those who may not have much experience in the kitchen. They require fewer steps and no need for an oven, making it easier for kids to participate in the preparation. Plus, they save time, giving you more opportunity to enjoy the final product without the wait.

Additionally, no-bake recipes tend to retain more of the natural flavors of the ingredients since they aren’t subjected to heat. This ensures that you experience the full taste of the peanut butter and Cheerios in each delightful bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Absolutely! Just make sure it has a good balance of oil and is not too runny.

→ How long do these bars last?

They can last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored properly.