Are you craving a delicious and satisfying treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars! This no-bake recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking adventures, or satisfying those unexpected sweet cravings. These bars are a delightful blend of crunchy Cheerios, creamy peanut butter, and sweet honey, making them an irresistible snack for both kids and adults. They're a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and happiness. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its most delightful!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Cheerios cereal (or your favorite oat cereal)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added deliciousness
Instructions:
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Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and ensure they're at room temperature, especially the peanut butter and honey, which will blend more smoothly. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help with lifting the finished bars.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, peanut butter, honey, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and well combined. This is where a hand mixer can be a huge time saver!
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Add the Cheerios: Gently fold in the Cheerios until they are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to retain some crunch.
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Press into Pan: Transfer the Cheerio mixture to your prepared baking pan and firmly press it down into an even layer using the back of a spoon or spatula. This ensures the bars hold their shape and prevents them from crumbling.
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Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. This chilling time allows the peanut butter and honey to solidify, creating a delicious, cohesive treat.
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Cut and Serve: Once the bars are firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra peanut butter flavor: Use a combination of creamy and crunchy peanut butter.
- Add some sweetness: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars before chilling for an extra decadent touch.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Add your favorite nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), dried fruits (cranberries, raisins), or even pretzels for added texture and flavor. Chocolate chips are always a winner!
- Make it healthier: Use a natural peanut butter with no added sugar and reduce the amount of honey slightly. Consider using whole grain cereal for added fiber.
- Portion control: Cut the bars into smaller squares for portion control, making them a perfect after-school snack or a healthy dessert option.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to calculate your own using a nutrition calculator with the brands of ingredients you use.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-15g
These Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are the perfect example of quick dinner ideas turned sweet treat. Enjoy these easy, delicious, and surprisingly healthy bars! They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet craving while remaining relatively guilt-free. They are also great for meal prepping ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious snack readily available. These bars are a guaranteed hit, no matter the occasion.