Try these delicious no bake peanut butter cereal bars. A perfect for on-the-go snack or dessert. These bars are quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Whether you need a sweet treat for a party or a simple snack at home, these bars fit the bill perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- No Baking Required: Enjoy the convenience of a no-bake recipe; just mix and chill!
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to switch up the nuts or candies for your preferred flavors.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for little hands to help out in the kitchen.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time for snacks throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools for efficiency. Having everything prepared will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Non-stick spray
- 15” x 10” x 1-inch baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Large enough to hold all ingredients while ensuring even mixing.
- Saucepan: Necessary for heating the corn syrup and sugar mixture.
- Spatula: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly without leaving anything behind.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups cheerios
- 4 cups crisp rice cereal
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
- 2 cups M&M’s
Sweet Binding Ingredients
- 2 cups light corn syrup
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 2 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 ¾ teaspoons vanilla
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Spray a 15” x 10” x 1-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. This step is important to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheerios, crisp rice cereal, dry roasted peanuts, and M&M’s. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Heat Syrup Mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the light corn syrup and sugar to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the warm syrup mixture over the cereal mixture in the large mixing bowl. Use your spatula to toss everything together until coated evenly.
Step 5: Set Bars
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan evenly. Allow it to sit at room temperature until set before cutting into bars.
Enjoy your homemade no bake peanut butter cereal bars as a tasty treat any time of day!
How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
These no bake peanut butter cereal bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick snack, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Bananas: Slice bananas on top for added sweetness and creaminess.
- Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing touch.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- Chocolate Syrup: A warm drizzle enhances the flavors and adds richness.
- Caramel Sauce: For a sweeter option, caramel pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
Enjoy with Milk
- Cold Milk: Serve alongside a glass of cold milk for a classic snack pairing.
- Nut Milk: Almond or oat milk offers a dairy-free alternative that complements the bars well.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Assorted Treats: Add cookies or brownies to make an enticing dessert spread.
- Fruit Skewers: Combine fruit skewers for color and freshness on your platter.
How to Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Making perfect no bake peanut butter cereal bars is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to achieve the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your cereals and peanuts are fresh to enhance flavor.
- Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements help achieve the right texture and taste.
- Mix Well: Stir the cereal mixture thoroughly to ensure even coating with the syrup.
- Press Firmly: When spreading the mixture in the pan, press down firmly for compact bars.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape.
Best Side Dishes for No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
These no bake peanut butter cereal bars pair wonderfully with different side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy contrast.
- Veggie Sticks: Crunchy carrots or celery sticks provide a refreshing crunch alongside the sweetness.
- Cheese Cubes: A plate of assorted cheese cubes balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Trail Mix: A handful of trail mix offers added crunch and nutrition as a side snack.
- Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with fruits can be a delicious accompaniment.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent treat when served together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making no bake peanut butter cereal bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong cereal: Not all cereals work well in this recipe. Stick to Cheerios and crisp rice cereal for the best texture and flavor.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right consistency. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Skipping the non-stick spray: Forgetting to spray your pan can lead to a sticky mess. Always spray your pan generously before adding the mixture.
- Overmixing the cereal and syrup: Mixing too much can crush the cereal. Stir gently until just combined for optimal crunchiness.
- Not allowing enough time to set: Rushing this step can result in bars that fall apart. Let them sit until completely set for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- These bars can last up to a week in the fridge.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking for easy removal.
Freezing No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat bars on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nut butter for No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars?
You can! Almond butter or cashew butter are great alternatives if you want different flavors.
How do I make No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars healthier?
Consider using less sugar or opting for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also add dried fruits or seeds for added nutrition.
What is the best way to cut No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars?
To cut them easily, let them chill completely and use a sharp knife. Warming the knife slightly can help create cleaner cuts.
Can I add chocolate chips to my No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars?
Absolutely! Adding mini chocolate chips will give your bars an extra delicious touch. Just fold them into the mixture before setting.
Final Thoughts
These no bake peanut butter cereal bars are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various cereals, nuts, or dried fruits to suit your taste preferences. Try making these delightful treats today; they’re perfect for snacks, desserts, or lunchboxes!
No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Indulge in these delicious no bake peanut butter cereal bars that are perfect for any occasion! Whether you need a quick snack on-the-go or a sweet addition to your dessert table, these bars are sure to please both kids and adults alike. With a delightful crunch from the cereals and a rich peanut butter flavor, they come together effortlessly in just a few steps. Plus, they’re fully customizable—feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or candies! Easy to prepare and great for meal prep, make these bars ahead of time for convenient snacking throughout the week.
- Total Time: 6 minute
- Yield: Makes about 24 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cheerios
- 4 cups crisp rice cereal
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
- 2 cups M&M's
- 2 cups light corn syrup
- 1¾ cups sugar
- 2½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1¾ teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Spray a 15'' x 10'' x 1-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cheerios, crisp rice cereal, dry roasted peanuts, and M&M's.
- In a saucepan, bring the light corn syrup and sugar to a boil while stirring frequently. Remove from heat and mix in the peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the syrup mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and let it set at room temperature before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Be careful not to overmix; stir gently to keep your bars crunchy. For extra sweetness, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits.