Easy no-bake treat that won’t heat up the house in summer!
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
These no-bake bars are a perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and chewy—bringing together the beloved duo of chocolate and peanut butter with the satisfying crispness of Cheerios. They’re quick to whip up, oven-free, and ideal for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or impromptu dessert cravings.
🍫 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cheerios (plain or honey-nut) | 4 cups |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Honey (or corn syrup) | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk) | 1 1/4 cups |
| Coconut oil or butter (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
🥄 Directions
1. Prepare Your Pan
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave extra paper hanging over the sides to make lifting the bars easier after chilling.
2. Create the Peanut Butter Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the peanut butter, honey (or corn syrup), and sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved—about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Coat the Cheerios
Place the Cheerios in a large bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over them and gently fold everything together until the cereal is completely coated.
4. Pack Into the Pan
Transfer the coated mixture into the prepared dish. Press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to form a solid, compact layer.
5. Melt the Chocolate
Add chocolate chips and optional coconut oil or butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stove for gentler melting.
6. Add the Chocolate Topping
Pour the melted chocolate over the Cheerio mixture and spread it evenly across the surface with a spatula.
7. Chill Until Set
Place the dish in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until the bars are completely firm and the chocolate has hardened.
8. Slice and Enjoy
Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
👩🍳 Tips & Notes
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter creates the smoothest texture, but crunchy peanut butter adds a pleasant crunch if that’s your preference.
- Sweetener Swap: Honey can be replaced with corn syrup or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- Chocolate Layer: Love extra chocolate? Use up to 2 cups of chocolate chips for a thicker, more indulgent top layer.
