Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cereal Bars Recipe
3-Ingredient Cereal Bars
Craving a quick, satisfying snack that’s both delicious and easy to whip up? Look no further than these Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cereal Bars!
Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast option, a midday pick-me-up, or a sweet after-dinner treat, these bars have got you covered. Plus, with just three ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re sure to become a staple in your family’s snack repertoire. By the way, have you tried our recipe for 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies?
Ingredients Overview
- Cheerios: Cheerios serve as the crunchy base of these cereal bars, providing a satisfying texture and a wholesome grainy flavor. They also pack a nutritional punch, since Cheerios are full of heart-healthy grains and fiber.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter not only adds a rich and creamy taste to these bars but also serves as the primary binder, holding the Cheerios and marshmallows together. Bonus: PB is a kid superfood full of protein, vitamin D, and healthy fat.
- Marshmallows: Marshmallows act as the sweet glue that brings this recipe together. When melted, they create a sticky, gooey consistency that binds the Cheerios and peanut butter, resulting in a chewy and indulgent texture.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- No-bake!
- Kid-friendly
- Mostly wholesome and nutritious ingredients
- Great for on-the-go snacking
- Makes a great lunchbox treat
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Versatile– trying using different types of cereal!
Notes and Substitutions
Cereal Variety
Feel free to experiment with different types of cereal to customize the flavor and texture of these bars. Try using rice cereal, corn flakes, or even a combination of your favorite cereals for a unique twist.
Nut Butter Options
While peanut butter adds a classic nutty flavor to these bars, you can easily swap it out for other nut or seed butters such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Just keep in mind that different nut butters may alter the taste slightly.
Marshmallow Alternatives
If you prefer to avoid marshmallows or need a vegan-friendly option, you can substitute them with alternative sweeteners such as honey or agave syrup. Simply adjust the amount to achieve the desired level of sweetness and stickiness.
Add-Ins
Get creative and add your favorite mix-ins to enhance the flavor and texture of these bars. Consider stirring in chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Storage
Store the peanut butter cereal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Cutting Tip
To make slicing the bars easier, lightly grease the knife with cooking spray or butter before cutting. This will help prevent the bars from sticking to the knife and ensure clean, even cuts.
Tips for Success
- Work Quickly: Once the marshmallows are melted, work quickly to mix in the peanut butter and cereal before the mixture begins to cool and harden. This will ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed and the bars hold together well.
- Press Firmly: After transferring the mixture to the pan, use a spatula or your hands to firmly press it down into an even layer. This will help compact the ingredients and prevent the bars from crumbling when sliced.
- Allow to Set: Let the bars cool and set completely before slicing into squares or bars. This will give them time to firm up and hold their shape for easy serving.
- Customize to Taste: Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Add extra peanut butter for a stronger flavor, mix in your favorite add-ins for extra texture, or adjust the sweetness level to your liking.
Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cereal Bars Recipe
Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast option, a midday pick-me-up, or a sweet after-dinner treat, these bars have got you covered.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 5 cups Cheerios
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x13 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or foil and lightly spraying with a nonstick cooking oil.
- Place the marshmallows and the peanut butter in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Heat for 60 seconds, and stir until marshmallows are melted and mixed in with the peanut butter.
- Add the Cheerios and mix until cereal is completely coated.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Let cool completely to set.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 146Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 102mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 3g