Cheerio Bars
Cheerio Bars are a delightful no-bake treat combining crunchy Cheerios, corn flakes, and peanuts coated in a sweet, chewy peanut butter mixture. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick snack, they offer a satisfying combination of sweetness and crunch that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put sugar, corn syrup, and oleo in a saucepan; cook over low heat until it comes to a full boil.
- Stir in the peanut butter; stir until melted in.
- Add Cheerios, corn flakes, and peanuts; stir until well coated.
- Press into a greased 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Let cool and then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, you can substitute honey for corn syrup. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of sugar slightly. Make sure to stir quickly after adding the peanut butter, as it can thicken rapidly. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the peanuts or replace them with additional Cheerios or corn flakes.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheerio bars make a perfect snack on their own but can also be served alongside a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. They pair beautifully with Geneva'S Coffee Bars for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for an added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cheerio bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, as they will soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheerio Bars contains roughly 379 calories, with 10g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 528mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter or cashew butter for the peanut butter if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious. You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To add a chocolate flavor, you can mix in mini chocolate chips along with the other ingredients or drizzle melted chocolate over the top after pressing the mixture into the pan. This will create a delightful chocolatey contrast to the crunchy texture of the bars.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these bars gluten-free by ensuring that you use gluten-free Cheerios and corn flakes. Always check the labels to confirm that the products are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).