Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars

5 from 27 votes

on Mar 28, 2022

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These no-bake peanut butter cheerio cereal bars are so easy to make with pantry ingredients! They are the perfect breakfast or snack for kids.

a close up shot of sliced peanut butter cereal bars with strawberries.

Reasons to love these cereal bars
Ingredients
Step by Step Instructions
Tips for Success
Frequently Asked Questions
Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars Recipe

Reasons to love these cereal bars

These are SOO EASY to whip up with ingredients you probably already have on hand. ZERO cooking involved, just like these peanut butter bliss balls!

While store-bought cereal bars are convenient, they can be quite expensive. Not to mention many of them are overly sweet with a long list of ingredients and added sugars.

If you have 10 minutes to spare, you will be able to whip up a healthier, less expensive, and equally delicious version!

And if you are looking for soft-baked bars for easy grab-n-go breakfast or snacking, check out these banana oatmeal bars and healthy rice krispie treats!

Easy Breakfast Ideas for toddlers

Ingredients

Cheerios – Make sure to use PLAIN Cheerios. The bars are plenty sweet with just the addition of honey.
Rolled oats – While you can use Cheerios alone, I find that the addition of oats makes the bars softer and chewier, which is a bonus for toddlers.
Honey – Adds sweetness and helps bind the bars. You can also use maple syrup.
Peanut butter – Helps bind the bars together and adds protein, fat, and a delicious nutty flavor. Smooth, natural style works best.
Freeze dried strawberries – Adds flavor and color! Feel free to use other freeze-dried fruit of choice. You can also use them to make the perfect icing for a baby’s smash cake!

Step by Step Instructions

a four image collage showing the cooking process step by step.

a two image collage showing how to place and press the bars into the lined pan.

Stir together the peanut butter and honey.
Pour over cheerios and oats.
Stir until well-coated.
Fold in the strawberies.
Press the bars into a parchment-lined pan.
Chill!

Tips for Success

a square cereal bar placed on toddler's palm.

Use room temperature peanut butter! You want it to be runny, not dry or thick. If you keep yours in the refrigerator, take it out at least an hour prior to making. All the peanut butter cereal bar recipes I’ve come across require heating the peanut butter with honey on the stove or in the microwave. I don’t like to heat honey and my way works just as well.
Using your fingers, break up the freeze-dried strawberries into smaller pieces. I’ve found this to be the easiest and best way to avoid crushing them too much.
Be sure to use a 8×8 inch pan. If you use a larger size, the bars will be too thin.
Line the pan with parchment paper to make it easy to pop the bars right out of the pan. Also makes cleanup a breeze.
Press the mixture FIRMLY into the lined pan. I like to use parchment paper so that it holds its shape and doesn’t end up on my hands.
CHILL for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator, preferably overnight, or in the freezer for at least an hour.
Use a sharp knife to cut. I like to use a serrated knife.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best substitute for peanut butter?

You can use any nut or seed butter. However, they don’t hold the bars as well as peanut butter so I would suggest adding more.

What’s the best way to store these bars?

Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’re best enjoyed cold. Do NOT store at room temperature as the bars will soften.

Can I freeze cereal bars?

Yes! I recommend wrapping each piece in cling wrap and storing in a freezer safe bag or container. They will stay good for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before you eat.

one square piece of cereal bar with babybel cheese in a stainless steel snack container.

20+ Healthy Snacks for Toddlers

Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

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5 from 27 votes

Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars

By: Min Kwon | MJ and Hungryman

These no-bake peanut butter cheerio bars are so easy to make with pantry ingredients! They are the perfect breakfast or snack for kids.

Prep Time: 5

Chill time: 4

Total Time: 4 5

Servings:

Equipment

Parchment Paper

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups (60g) cheerios
▢ 1 cup (100g) rolled oats
▢ 2/3 cups (170g) smooth peanut butter, at room temperature
▢ 1/3 cup (110g) honey, , see note
▢ 1 cup (20g) freeze dried strawberries, roughly chopped

Instructions

Line a 8×8 square pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the cheerios and oats.
In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter and honey until smooth. Pour over the cheerio oat mixture and mix until well coated.
Fold in the chopped strawberries
Press the mixture firmly into the pan using a piece of parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. You can also freeze for at least 1 hour.
Remove from pan and slice!

Notes

These bars are not suitable for babies. It is best to avoid added sugars until 2 years of age.
Use room temperature peanut butter! You want it to be runny, not dry or thick.
Using your fingers, break up the freeze-dried strawberries into smaller pieces.
Be sure to use a 8×8 inch pan. If you use a larger size, the bars will be too thin.
CHILL for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator, preferably overnight, or in the freezer for at least an hour.
You can use any nut or seed butter. However, they don’t hold the bars as well as peanut butter so I would suggest adding more.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’re best enjoyed cold. Do NOT store at room temperature as the bars will soften.
You can freeze for up to 3 months.