These Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are the easiest bars ever! with only 5 simple ingredients and no-bake, you can make these in less than 20 minutes.

They are sweet and salty, with crunchy cereal and creamy peanut butter, and way better than store-bought granola bars.

Why you’ll love these Peanut Butter Bars

• They’re super easy to make, for every baking skill level
• They use only 5 ingredients
• There’s no oven involved!
• They taste A-MA-ZING! perfect for every peanut butter lover out there
• It’s the perfect school snack
• Perfect for the whole family, these are perfect for kids and adults alike

Ingredients you’ll need for these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

These bars need 5 basic ingredients, found in any grocery store:

• Cheerios. Plain Cheerios, no sugar added
• Peanut Butter Chips. These will add to the peanut butter flavor
• Peanut Butter. Will help glue all of the ingredients together and give flavor to the bars. I used smooth peanut butter, but feel free to use crunchy peanut butter if you like
• Light Corn Syrup. To sweeten the bars and to keep all of the ingredients together
• Salt. To enhance all of the flavors

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Substitutions and Add-ins for these No bake Peanut Butter Cereal bars

If you want to make this recipe again, but with a different flavor, choose one (or more!) of your favorite add-ins below and substitute using the same quantities.

• Rice Krispies for Cheerios or any other dry cereal of your choice. You can even get creative and make a mix of different cereals!
• Chocolate chips for Peanut Butter Chips. Note: your bars could turn a darker color due to the chocolate melting when the corn syrup mixture is added
• Melted Chocolate to drizzle on top of the bars
• Honey or maple syrup instead of light corn syrup for a healthier version
• Sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, and sunflower seeds instead of peanut butter chocolate chips
• Almond butter instead of peanut butter, and chopped almonds instead of peanut butter chips
• Corn flakes instead of Cheerios for a crunchier texture, or any different cereal of your choice
• Add some butterscotch chips to the mixture for a sweeter taste
• Fold in dark chocolate chunks to make it more indulgent

How to make this Cereal Bar recipe

Line the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, and spray the sides with cooking spray. (You can also use an 8-inch pan instead)

Mix the cereal and peanut butter chips in a large bowl and set aside.

Over a medium-sized saucepan, mix the peanut butter, light corn syrup, and salt. Heat on medium heat until mixture just starts to simmer, around 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir until smooth and lightly cooled, but still creamy enough to mix with the cereal.

Pour the peanut butter mixture on top of the cereal mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Using a small piece of baking sheet, press the mixture in an even layer on your prepared square pan as tightly as possible. You can also use the back of a spoon to do it.

Refrigerate for 1 hour until set. Remove from the pan and cut in 9 equally sized squares and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

1. Use Fresh Peanut Butter: If your peanut butter is too old or dry, it might not mix well. Stir it thoroughly if separated, or use a fresh jar for the best texture.
2. Heat Gently: When melting the peanut butter and sweetener, use low heat to prevent scorching. Overheating can alter the texture and flavor.
3. Press firmly into the Pan: Use the back of a spatula or the bottom of a flat measuring cup to firmly press the mixture into the pan. This helps the bars hold together better.
4. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sweetener slightly. Just ensure there’s enough to bind the ingredients together.
5. Chill, Don’t Rush: Let the bars chill fully in the fridge before cutting. This ensures they set properly and are easier to slice into clean pieces.
6. Add Layers for Flavor: For a fun twist, layer melted chocolate on top of the bars before chilling. Sprinkle with crushed nuts or flaky sea salt for extra flavor and texture.
7. Room Temperature Before Serving: If the bars are chilled, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly for the best texture.
8. Measure Precisely: Too much cereal can make the bars dry and crumbly, so measure ingredients accurately for the right balance.
9. Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly grease your hands with oil or butter if you’re pressing the mixture into the pan by hand. This keeps it from sticking.
10. Customize to Taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ons like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to make the bars your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my bars falling apart?

If your bars are too crumbly, it might be because the peanut butter and sweetener mixture wasn’t fully combined or evenly distributed. Be sure to mix thoroughly and press the mixture firmly into the pan.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for meal prepping. Make them a day or two in advance, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature or 1 week in the fridge.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup and ensure your cereal and chocolate chips are vegan-friendly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure to use a gluten-free cereal and double-check that your other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are labeled gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and use 2 9×13-inch pans. 

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Definitely! Chunky peanut butter adds a nice crunch and texture to the bars. Feel free to mix it with creamy peanut butter if you want a balance.

What’s the best way to cut the bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth edges. If the bars are too firm from chilling, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

How do I store these no-bake bars?

Store these in an airtight container at room temperature and away from any heat sources for up to 4 days. After that you can refrigerate these to extend their shelf life to 1 week

Can I freeze these delicious bars?

Yes! you can freeze these homemade cereal bars in an airtight container, with a sheet of parchment paper in between each layer.

Let them thaw uncovered at room temperature before serving.

Take a look at this Peanut Butter Cereal Bars Recipe video to see how these come together in just minutes! and take a look at the links below to see some more similar recipes:

If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a rating and leave a comment!