If you’re a parent, snacks might be the bane of your existence. Maybe the last thing you want to do is make them from scratch because they plow through so many so quickly, but hear me out.
These no-bake Cheerio cereal bars are easy to make and can be whipped up in just a few minutes using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Cheerios, honey, peanut butter, and a few mini chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy and want to convince your kids to actually eat them.
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Why Cheerio Cereal Bars Are Great for Kids AND You
While there’s nothing wrong with tossing your kids a store-bought granola bar, sometimes it’s nice to make your kids bars from home, and here’s why these Cheerio cereal bars work so well:
- Easy to whip up in just a few minutes
- Uses minimal, pantry staple ingredients
- Requires no baking
- Portable for park snacks or road trips
- Familiar flavors for kids
- Provides energy and other valuable nutrients
- Easy for kids to help make
- Work as part of a quick breakfast or a snack
If you’re interested to learn more about the best store-bought snack bars for kids, read more here.
Why Cheerios Are a Great Choice
Using Cheerios as the base for these bars isn’t just nostalgic, it’s also a nutritious, kid-friendly option. Cheerios are made with whole grain oats, providing fiber that helps keep kids full and supports digestive health. They’re also fortified with important vitamins and minerals like iron, which is essential because it helps carry oxygen in the blood, supports brain development, and fuels healthy growth.
By using regular Cheerios, you’ll minimize the amount of added sugar. However, feel free to switch up the type of cereal you use and try some of the protein Cheerios, the veggie blends, or even the multigrain ones too.
Other Cereal Options to Try
You can easily swap out regular Cheerios for other varieties or similar cereals to mix things up and add different nutrients and flavors:
Protein Cheerios: for an extra boost of protein and they come in different flavors.
Cheerios Veggie Blends: includes added vegetable ingredients and a fun way to get a little extra variety in their snack. They won’t “count” as their veggies, but the extra nutrients don’t hurt. Plus, they have fun flavors with no artificial colors.
Multigrain Cheerios: a blend of grains with a slightly sweeter flavor and less added sugar than many other cereals.
Rice Krispies: for a classic Rice Krispie bar texture and vibe.
Kix: lightly sweet and crunchy, perfect for younger kids.
Ingredients for No-Bake Cheerio Cereal Bars
*not pictured are the mini chocolate chips as the fourth ingredient, but feel free to choose your own topping/mix-in
Cheerios (whatever variety you enjoy)
Peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter you prefer)
Honey or maple syrup
Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit, freeze dried strawberries, ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, mini M&Ms
How to Make Cheerio Cereal Bars
Line a pan with parchment paper. An 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan works great, but anything close will do. You can even use muffin tins with, or without liners. Try a silicone muffin tin to easily pop them out when they’re done.
In a saucepan, heat the peanut butter and honey together over low heat until warm and well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
Add the Cheerios and gently stir until everything is coated. If using chocolate chips, let the mixture cool a minute or two first so they don’t melt completely (unless you want that, in which case, go for it). I usually wait to add the chocolate chips once they’re in the pan so they’re visible on the top.
Sprinkle in mini chocolate chips or toppings of your choice and press the mixture firmly into the pan using the back of a spoon or your hands (lightly greased or covered with parchment).
Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, then slice into bars or squares.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or on the counter for a day or two. They will stay fresher longer if you store them in the fridge.
Tips & Swaps
- Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version (great for lunch boxes)
- Add ground flax or chia seeds for a boost of fiber and healthy fats.
- Press into mini muffin cups for bite-sized portions for toddlers.
- Try using a different variety of Cheerios such as the Protein Cheerios of Veggie Blends
- Make a double batch, these go quick.
Before You Go
These aren’t meant to be “perfect” healthy food. They’re a balanced, realistic snack that adds energy, flavor, and a little joy to your child’s day, and maybe yours too. Because let’s be honest, snacks that both adults and kids like are worth their weight in gold.
Check out more healthy snack ideas here.
Cheerio Cereal Bars
Equipment
- 8×8 or 9×9 pan
- Sauce pan or large pot
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cheerios
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or nut/seed butter of choice
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4-1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Line a pan with parchment paper. An 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan works great, but anything close will do.
- In a saucepan, heat the peanut butter and honey together over low heat until warm and well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the Cheerios and gently stir until everything is coated. If using chocolate chips, let the mixture cool a minute or two first so they don’t melt completely (unless you want that, in which case, go for it). I usually wait to add the chocolate chips once they’re in the pan so they’re visible on the top.
- Sprinkle in mini chocolate chips or toppings of your choice and press the mixture firmly into the pan using the back of a spoon or your hands (lightly greased or covered with parchment).
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, then slice into bars or squares.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or on the counter for a day or two. They will stay fresher longer if you store them in the fridge.
