Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cereal bars are incredibly easy to make, kid-approved, and packed with that classic peanut butter flavor. With no oven needed and only a few pantry staples, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes. They’re customizable, naturally gluten-free (depending on the cereal), and can be made with or without refined sugar. Perfect for busy weekdays, school snacks, or post-workout bites.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Peanut butter (creamy or natural)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Cereal of choice (crispy rice cereal, cornflakes, or oat-based cereal)
- Optional mix-ins: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, seeds
Directions
- In a saucepan over low heat, stir together peanut butter and honey until smooth and well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.
- In a large bowl, pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir until fully coated.
- Gently fold in any optional mix-ins.
- Press the mixture into a lined 8×8-inch pan using a spatula or your hands.
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Cut into bars and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Makes about 9–12 bars.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 20–30 minutes
No baking required.
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the top before chilling.
- Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Extra crunch: Add crushed pretzels or chopped nuts.
- Sweet & salty: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling.
- Protein boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
Storage/Reheating
Store bars in an airtight container:
- In the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- In the freezer for up to 2 months
Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes if frozen.
No reheating necessary.
FAQs
What kind of cereal works best?
Crispy rice cereal, cornflakes, or puffed whole grain cereals work great for this recipe.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, just make sure it’s well-stirred and not too runny. It may require slightly more cereal to bind.
How do I keep the bars from falling apart?
Be sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan and chill until fully set.
Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be—just use a certified gluten-free cereal.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey and check that your cereal is vegan.
Can I add chocolate?
Absolutely. Mix in chocolate chips or melt chocolate for a topping layer.
How long do they take to set?
About 20–30 minutes in the refrigerator should be enough for them to firm up.
Do they need to be stored in the fridge?
They hold best when chilled, especially in warm climates, but can sit out for a few hours.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan (like 9×13) and increase chilling time slightly.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, they store well and make great grab-and-go snacks for the week.
Conclusion
No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are the ultimate easy snack—sweet, crunchy, and satisfying with every bite. Whether you’re making a quick treat for the family or prepping snacks for the week, these bars deliver flavor and convenience with no oven required. Mix, press, chill, and enjoy!
PrintNo Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are chewy, crunchy, and sweet snack bars made with simple pantry staples. Perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or a healthier dessert—no oven required!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or natural)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 3 cups cereal of choice (crispy rice cereal, cornflakes, or oat-based cereal)
- Optional mix-ins: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chopped nuts, 1/4 cup dried fruit, 2 tbsp seeds
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, stir together peanut butter and honey until smooth and well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.
- In a large bowl, pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir until fully coated.
- Gently fold in any optional mix-ins.
- Press the mixture firmly into a lined 8×8-inch pan using a spatula or your hands.
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Cut into bars and enjoy.
Notes
- Use well-stirred natural peanut butter to avoid oily separation.
- Press mixture tightly into the pan to help bars hold together.
- Add a pinch of salt if using unsweetened peanut butter or maple syrup.
- Let bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting if too firm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 12 bars)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
