Cheerios Cereal Bars
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, no-bake treat that the whole family will love, look no further than these Cheerios Cereal Bars! Packed with sweet marshmallows, gooey caramel, and a delightful crunch from the multigrain Cheerios, these bars are not only easy to make but are also the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you need a quick breakfast option, a lunchbox treat, or a post-workout snack, these bars check all the boxes. Plus, the combination of flavors from roasted peanuts, banana chips, pretzel sticks, and M&Ms takes them to a whole new level!
What Makes This Recipe Special
These Cheerios Cereal Bars are special for several reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly versatile. You can customize them based on your personal taste or whatever you have in your pantry. The mix of textures—from the chewy marshmallows to the crunchy peanuts and pretzels—creates a delightful eating experience. Additionally, they are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about feeding to your family. With minimal preparation time and the use of just one pot, these bars are a breeze to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for busy days.
What You’ll Need
- 35 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup butter
- 30 unwrapped caramels
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups multigrain Cheerios
- 1/2 cup salted roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup banana chips, chopped
- 1/2 cup pretzel sticks, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain M&Ms
Appliances & Accessories
- Large pot – for melting the marshmallows and caramels.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the mixture.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – to shape and cool the bars.
- Parchment paper – for easy removal of the bars from the baking dish.
- Knife – for cutting the bars into squares.
Cheerios Cereal Bars Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Dish
Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift the bars out later. This will prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Melt the Mixture
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the marshmallows and unwrapped caramels. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Be patient, as this can take a few minutes.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Once the marshmallow-caramel mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 4: Mix in the Cheerios
Gradually fold in the multigrain Cheerios, making sure they are well coated with the melted mixture. This will give the bars their signature crunch.
Step 5: Add the Fun Ingredients
Next, gently fold in the chopped peanuts, banana chips, pretzel sticks, and M&Ms. The combination of flavors and textures will create a delightful treat!
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly. This step is crucial for ensuring that your bars hold together well once they’re cooled.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once set, lift it out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang, and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars, depending on your preference.
Budget & Availability Swaps
- Multigrain Cheerios – can be swapped with any other type of cereal, like Rice Krispies or Cornflakes.
- Salted roasted peanuts – can be replaced with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Banana chips – feel free to use dried fruit, like apricots or raisins.
- Pretzel sticks – you can use any kind of crunchy snack, such as tortilla chips or crackers.
- Plain M&Ms – swap them out for chocolate chips or any candy you prefer.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
These Cheerios Cereal Bars are not just a treat; they can also be a fun project to involve kids in the kitchen. The colorful ingredients can spark creativity, and they will love helping with the mixing and pressing. Additionally, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later, making them a convenient snack for busy weeks. You can also personalize them with your favorite mix-ins, making each batch uniquely yours!
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Cheerios Cereal Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying!
Quick Questions
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use dairy-free marshmallows and caramels to create a vegan version of these Cheerios Cereal Bars.
Are these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free multigrain Cheerios and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I make these bars more nutritious?
You can add in some protein powder or flaxseed meal to boost the nutritional content. Additionally, incorporating more dried fruits or seeds can add fiber and healthy fats.
Can I omit the candy?
Absolutely! You can leave out the M&Ms or replace them with extra nuts or seeds for a healthier treat. The bars will still be delicious and satisfying!
Because You Liked This
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Healthy Granola Bars
- 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Final Bite
These Cheerios Cereal Bars are a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. They are not only easy to make but also allow for endless customization based on your preferences and pantry staples. With the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and chewiness, they are bound to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in a delightful treat that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy your homemade Cheerios Cereal Bars!
Cheerios Cereal Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by lining a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift the bars out later.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the marshmallows and unwrapped caramels until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
- Gradually fold in the multigrain Cheerios, ensuring they are well coated with the mixture.
- Gently fold in the chopped peanuts, banana chips, pretzel sticks, and M&Ms.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly and evenly.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once set, lift out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or bars.
Notes
- These bars are a fun project to involve kids in the kitchen.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Substitute ingredients based on pantry items for endless customization.
