These peanut butter Cheerio bars are so easy to make. You only need four simple ingredients and there is no baking required!
I’m a huge fan of cereal bars and that includes these peanut butter Cheerio bars. My husband came home from Costco the other day with two huge boxes of Cheerios. My kids actually call them “mini donuts” which is super cute and obviously way healthier than actual donuts. After having Cheerios for breakfast for along time, I knew it was time to do something different with our supersized boxes!
I love that these peanut butter Cheerio bars are gluten free. There was a time when rice cereal was gluten free but I think now, the ingredients have changed and only certain brands are gluten free. Cheerios are still gluten free though which is nice.
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Why I love this recipe
These cereal bars are great for so many reasons. They’re wonderful if you want to do something different with that box of cereal in your pantry, they’re a great gluten free treat, they’re easy to make since no baking is involved, and they’re great for breakfast on the go or a snack.
What ingredients are needed to make these cereal bars?
These peanut butter cheerio bars are easy peasy to make. They’re easily made with just four ingredients:
- Butter: You’ll want to use unsalted butter for these treats.
- Mini marshmallows: Fresh is best when it comes to marshmallows.
- Peanut butter: You’ll want to use smooth peanut butter for these cereal treats
- Cheerios: The star of this recipe.
How to make this recipe
To make these cookie butter rice crispy treats, first gather your ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons of butter (unsalted)
- 1 bag of mini marshmallows (about 10 ounces)
- ½ cup of peanut butter
- 5 cups of Cheerios
Add the butter to a large pan and begin to heat it on low heat. While the butter heats, spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray.
Add the peanut butter and marshmallows to the butter on low heat while continually stirring to avoid burning the mixture. Stir the peanut butter, marshmallows, and butter constantly so that it becomes evenly melted.
You’ll want to keep stirring the butter, marshmallows, and peanut butter mixture on low until it is completely melted and mixed together. You may be tempted to turn up the heat to make the process go faster, but don’t! The key is to keep stirring while it cooks on low.
Add the cereal to the mixture and then pour everything into the 9 x 13 pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture out evenly and let cool for an hour before cutting into squares.
Tips for making this recipe
- Don’t press the cereal too firmly. Press just enough to get the cereal in the pan. Pressing too much can make the treats hard.
- Use fresh marshmallows. Don’t be tempted to use those expired or stale marshmallows.
- Stir the butter, peanut butter, and marshmallows frequently on low. Stir, stir, and stir!
Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Equipment
- 9 x 13 pan
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
- 1 bag mini marshmallows about 10 ounces
- ½ cup peanut butter smooth or creamy
- 5 cups Cheerios
Instructions
- Add the butter to a large pan and begin to heat it on low heat. While the butter heats, spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray.
- Add the peanut butter and marshmallows to the butter on low heat while continually stirring to avoid burning the mixture. Stir the peanut butter, marshmallows, and butter constantly so that it becomes evenly melted.
- You’ll want to keep stirring the butter, marshmallows, and peanut butter mixture on low until it is completely melted and mixed together. You may be tempted to turn up the heat to make the process go faster, but don’t. The key is to keep stirring while it cooks on low.
- Add the cereal to the mixture and then pour everything into the 9 x 13 pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture out evenly and let cool for an hour before cutting into squares.
Amanda Marie says
Finally a snack other than graham crackers my toddler will eat!
Christina says
Yum! Great idea!
Addison says
These are the perfect little snack!
Maddie says
These will be such a bit with my middle schooler!
Maddie says
*Treat!
Jessica Formicola says
These are perfect for a grab and go breakfast! Definitely making these for myself and the kids this weekend!
Alexandra says
Such a delicious sweet treat – we adore peanut butter, and this is a fantastic recipe and so simple to prepare!
Kay says
This is so innovative! Thanks