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Home » all recipes » Addictive Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Addictive Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Posted Mar 24, 2021 by Helen | 18 Comments |

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A stack of peanut butter cheerio bars from above
A half eaten peanut butter cheerio bar
Addictive peanut butter Cheerio bars

Need something for a picnic or party? Or just need treats stashed in the freezer for a chocolate craving ’emergency’? These 5-ingredient peanut butter Cheerio bars take mere minutes to make. And no, they aren’t just for kids!

Two peanut butter cheerio bars stacked on top of each other, with others in the background

Jump to

  • Not just for kids and… ingredients
  • How do you make them?
  • Pro tips
  • More things to know (FAQs)
  • Variations
  • More crispy treats
  • More really easy desserts
  • Full recipe

Not just for kids and… ingredients

When I asked Mr. Scrummy to taste test these peanut butter Cheerio bars, he said: “They’re good, but aren’t they a kids’ thing?”

Er, nope. I’ve certainly never yet met an adult who turned one down.

And why would they? Just look at the list of ingredients:

  • Cheerios cereal: I like to use the ones made of wheat, oats and rice, but whichever type you like.
  • melted butter: I like salted which I think adds something to the final taste, but unsalted is just fine too.
  • peanut butter: I use natural and crunchy, but again, your favourite brand is fine.
  • melted marshmallows: Pink, white or pink AND white are fine.
  • melted chocolate: I always prefer dark chocolate, but milk or even white is fine too.

All the melty things. Nothing to argue with there. Essentially this is a 5-ingredient recipe.

Other than the fact that they’re

  • buttery
  • subtly chewy
  • very satisfyingly crispy
  • peanut buttery
  • sweet but not too sweet
  • altogether delicious

what I particularly like about these peanut butter Cheerio treats is that they take mere minutes to make.

These make a perfect little lunchbox, picnic or party treat. They’re also a grab-one-every-time-you-open-the-fridge sort of thing, which could be a problem.

How do you make them?

You’re just a few very quick and simple steps away from peanut butter Cheerio treats heaven:

Step 1: Melt butter, peanut butter and marshmallows in a saucepan over a gentle heat. No need to add more sugar, or corn syrup or even honey for that matter. They’re sweet enough with just the marshmallows!

Ingredients for making peanut butter Cheerio bars in a pan from above
Remember to melt on a low heat!
The caramel mixture for making peanut butter cheerio bars in a saucepan with a wooden spoon
You end up with a smooth peanut butter caramel that smells amazing!

Step 2: Stir through huge amounts of Cheerios, then press into a big pan WITH WET FINGERS (this part is highly advised if you want to avoid a terribly sticky situation!).

Closeup of the mixture for peanut butter cheerio bars in a pan from above
The top surface of peanut butter cheerio bars from above without chocolate on

Step 3: Melt chocolate and spread over the top, then pop in a cool place to set.

Peanut butter cheerio bars in the pan from above

Step 4: Cut into bars and try to eat just one before stashing the rest away in the freezer!

Pro tips

  • The biggest advice I have for you is to make sure you melt the butter, peanut butter and marshmallows ON A LOW HEAT. If you heat them too vigorously, the caramel will be too sticky. You want to end up with softly chewy crispy treats, not a trip to the dentist with a broken tooth!
  • As mentioned above, when you press the Cheerios down into the pan, use slightly wet fingers to stop the mixture sticking. Work quickly and confidently and all will be well!
  • You might not need as much chocolate as you think. I put just 200 grams or 7 ounces of chocolate on the top of my peanut butter bars. There may be only a thin layer of chocolate on the top, but some of it oozes into the gaps on the top of the bars. When you bite into your delicious crispy peanut butter marshmallow treats, some bites are surprisingly more chocolaty than others. Yum!
Closeup of someone eating a peanut butter cheerio bar

More things to know (FAQs)

Can you freeze Cheerio bars?

Yes, yes, yes! In fact I like to store these chocolate peanut butter Cheerio bars in the freezer in Ziplock bags. They don’t exactly freeze, but they stay nice and crispy and chewy this way.

If they’re a little too chewy when you first take them out of the freezer, just wait a few minutes before devouring. I usually can’t wait, but this is my official advice!

How long do they last if you don’t freeze them?

If you don’t put them in the freezer, they last well for a couple of days in an airtight container. After this they’ll still taste good, but the Cheerios will start to go a little soft.

Are they good for you?

Hmmm. I might have to leave it up to you to decide whether these crispy treats are good for you or not.

These aren’t exactly healthy Cheerio bars, but they aren’t too bad either. I figure you’re eating fairly healthy cereal without the milk + protein full peanuts + a bit of sugary marshmallow + a smattering of chocolate. I can think of worse – and better. 😉

I sometimes treat myself to one of these after dinner and trick myself into thinking it’s the equivalent to a bowl of cereal. A-hem.

If you’re looking for healthier snacks, take a look at this 50+ healthy sweet snacks that don’t taste boring!

How many calories are in them?

I’ve calculated that there are about 177 calories in each bar, depending of course on how big you slice them.

So… not too bad, really!

Are Cheerio bars gluten free?

Cheerios recipes can easily be gluten free. Just check the type of Cheerios you use. Also check that the marshmallows you use are gluten free – some are, but others aren’t.

Addictive peanut butter Cheerio bars stacked - image from above
Perfect squares of peanut buttery, chocolaty deliciousness!

Variations

I love these Cheerio treats exactly as they are, but there might just be ways to make them even yummier.

Here are just a few ideas:

  • Add chopped chunks of your favourite chocolate bars/candy e.g. Snickers, peanut butter cups, M&Ms.
  • Replace around half a cup of the Cheerios with a combination of nuts, coconut and/or dried fruit.
  • Replace the milk chocolate on top with white chocolate.
  • Try replacing the Cheerios with another kind cereal such as Rice Krispies or Cornflakes.
  • Adapt for the occasion. Put Cadbury mini eggs on the top for the perfect chocolate Easter treats. Blue or pink sprinkles for a baby shower. Crushed candy canes for Christmas. You get the idea!

Completely mad about peanut butter? You just have to try this banana and peanut butter cake with chocolate chips. Great for birthdays! Your friends will want you to make it again and again. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

More crispy treats

If you like these yummy Cheerios bars, you’ll also love these marshmallow and swirly chocolate crispy squares. They’re similar taste wise, but made with Rice Krispies and made to look veeeery pretty so you can give them as a gift!

More really easy desserts

  • 5-minute chocolate banana ice cream (healthy nice cream!)
  • 6-ingredient gooey Swedish chocolate cake (you’ve got to try this!)
  • Easy magic lemon pudding (the most controversial recipe on my blog!)
  • No bowl chocolate pecan bars (magic bars!)
  • 10-minute no bake chocolate truffle cake (a perfect no-fuss option for a special occasion)
  • 5-minute chocolate pots (only 4 ingredients!)
  • Gluten-free brownies (one bowl)

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Two peanut butter cheerio bars stacked on top of each other, with others in the background

Addictive Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Need something to take to a party? Or just need treats stashed in the freezer for an emergency? These 5-ingredient peanut butter Cheerio bars take mere minutes to make. And no, they aren’t just for kids!
5 from 18 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Cuisine American
Servings (click to change) 20
Author Helen

Equipment (affiliate links)

  • set of baking dishes

Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)

cups/ounces – grams/ml
  • 2 ounces butter (about 3 tablespoons)
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 10 ounces marshmallows
  • 6 cups Cheerios (use 5 cups if using UK cups)
  • 7 ounces chocolate milk or dark
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with baking paper.
  • Melt the butter, peanut butter and marshmallows together slowly on a low heat.
    2 ounces butter, ½ cup peanut butter, 10 ounces marshmallows
  • Combine with a wooden spoon, then stir in the Cheerios.
    6 cups Cheerios
  • Press the mixture into the pan with damp hands to stop the mixture sticking.
  • Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 90 seconds, then pour over the Cheerio mixture, spreading right to the edges.
    7 ounces chocolate
  • Let the Cheerio bars set in a cool place for a while (the fridge is fine), then cut into bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze in Ziploc bags.

Notes

*Note about measuring the Cheerios: If you’re using UK cups (slightly larger than US cups), use just 5 cups of Cheerios (about 240 – 250 grams). Don’t worry about being super precise – it won’t ruin the recipe!
Remember to melt your butter, peanut butter and marshmallows ON A LOW HEAT. You don’t want it to boil up into a super chewy caramel!
If you like, you can replace ½ cup of the Cheerios with ½ cup peanuts (I use unsalted but salted may work well too!).
These peanut butter Cheerio treats stay crispy for a day or two in an airtight container, but not too much longer. If you want to keep them longer, store in the freezer in Ziploc bags.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 99mgPotassium: 111mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 280IUVitamin C: 1.3mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 2.5mg
Tried this recipe?Let me know if you liked it!

Comments

  1. Renee says

    03 Jan 21 at 7:53 am

    Recipe calls for ‘dark’ but then it’s blank

    Reply
    • Helen says

      04 Jan 21 at 4:43 pm

      Hi Renee! Does it say ‘7 ounces of chocolate, milk or dark? I’m just wondering if there was an ad covering it or something? I seem to be able to read all the ingredients.

      Reply
  2. Val says

    09 Jun 20 at 11:30 am

    Hello, Helen

    I haven’t made the receipe yet, but was just wondering how long these rice crispy treats can be in the freezer for before they go bad?

    Thanks,

    Val

    Reply
    • Helen says

      09 Jun 20 at 12:23 pm

      Hi Val! I don’t know exactly how long they’d be OK for, but I think it’s quite a long time! We’ve got some in the freezer right now that have been in there for at least a couple of months and they are still absolutely fine. I’d say you’re safe with 3 months!

      Reply
      • Tori says

        30 Apr 21 at 8:07 am

        How long do they last when you take them out of the freezer? Can I take them on a hike with me?

      • Helen says

        02 May 21 at 10:13 am

        Hi Tori! Oh yes, definitely! They are just a bit harder when just out of the freezer, that’s all. Enjoy the hike!

  3. Sue says

    14 May 20 at 7:13 pm

    5 stars
    We seemed to have an overabundance of cheerios in our pantry (pandemic over-stocking by keen shopping husband), so I looked around for an easy recipe and found this one. I made it last night. The result was intensely yummy! Thank you! Next, it’ll be the easy magic lemon pudding. Cheers. Sue from Canada.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      15 May 20 at 11:35 am

      Hi Sue! Thank you so much for reporting back! We love these too. I have to hide them from my toddler in the freezer though! I hope you enjoy the lemon pudding too. Do you like chocolate? If so you HAVE to try the 6-ingredient Swedish chocolate cake. It’s an absolute winner too!

      Reply
  4. Lisa says

    22 Jun 19 at 5:57 am

    5 stars
    Can i use cornflakes?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Helen says

      22 Jun 19 at 4:31 pm

      Hi Lisa! Yes, go for it!!! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jessica says

    18 May 19 at 11:37 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe! Thanks for sharing. I melted my sticky stuff in a microwave safe bowl for about 2 1/2 minutes. My family loved them. We’ve made 3 batches!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      23 May 19 at 4:37 am

      Hi Jessica! Great idea to melt all the stickyness in the microwave. Now why didn’t I think of that?!

      Reply
  6. Jessica says

    05 May 19 at 8:43 am

    5 stars
    My kids really enjoyed these, thank you! I used plain cheerios because that was all that we had on hand. Turned out perfectly.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      09 May 19 at 12:10 am

      Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for the lovely feedback! It’s totally fine to use any kind of Cheerios you happen to have! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Marsha says

    10 Aug 18 at 5:55 pm

    5 stars
    Okay, this might be my new favourite way of eating Cheerios! These look SO good!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      10 Aug 18 at 9:07 pm

      That’s 2 of us then, Marsha – yay!

      Reply
  8. Denay DeGuzman says

    10 Aug 18 at 1:11 pm

    5 stars
    I was so excited to find this quick easy recipe! And the best part? I had all the ingredients on hand to make these scrumptious PB Cheerio bars. Mmmm….I just wish I doubled the recipe!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      10 Aug 18 at 9:08 pm

      Next time, triple it! So glad you enjoyed them!

      Reply

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