Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Name: Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup honey (1 cup if you pass on the brown sugar); 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional but worth it); 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, low sugar); 1/2 cup ground flax-seed ( or flax-seed meal); 6 cups toasted oats (plain cheerios or multi-grain); 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon coconut oil

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These No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are simple and quick to make. They are a perfect after school snack or sweet treat to pack in lunches. These bars are a family favorite and will have everyone asking for more!

These bars are delightful! Honestly, you could even call them somewhat "healthy" because they are full of fiber from the ground flax-seed and they're sweetened with natural sugar...a.k.a. Honey! I definitely don't feel guilty when I eat one or two. They are a breeze to whip up with no baking required. Plus, I usually have all the ingredients in my pantry so I can make these anytime we need a sweet chocolate and peanut butter fix!

I love adding these bars to the kids school lunches for a sweet treat or sending them as a snack. The hubby likes having them at work too. I don't ever feel guilty sending these with my kids or hubby because they are a much better alternative to sugar filled and processed bars or treats.

Top view of no bake peanut butter cereal bars with one cut out and on spatula on a board.

This post was originally posted on 03/02/2017 and updated on 03/05/2021.

Peanut Butter Cereal Bar Ingredients

Honey
Peanut Butter
Brown Sugar, Optional
Ground Flax-Seed
Toasted Oats (A.K.A. Cheerios)
Dark Chocolate Chips
Coconut Oil

Substitution Suggestions

Peanut Butter: I have only made these bars with peanut butter, but you could substitute with any creamy nut or seed butter.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar can be omitted and replaced 1:1 with honey if you want to only use natural sugar.
Ground Flax-Seed: Flax-seed can be omitted if wanted. I like adding it because it adds extra fiber and texture.
Toasted Oats: Cheerios work best for the recipe, but puffed rice or corn flakes can be substituted.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Substitute dark chocolate chips with any chocolate chip you like.

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

In a large pot, combine honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar.
Heat over low heat until the peanut butter is melted and the brown sugar is dissolved. Then remove from heat.
Next, stir in the flax-seed and then the toasted oats (cheerios) until they are completely coated.

Firmly press the coated cheerios into an even layer in a greased 9x13 dish.
In a microwave safe bowl or double boiler, melt together the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth.
Spread the chocolate over the cheerios in an even layer.
Let the bars rest until the chocolate has set.
Slice into 24 bars and serve!

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Use coconut oil or butter to grease the pan. This won't alter the flavor the bars.
Pack the bars firmly into the dish so they will stay together when they are sliced.
Use plain toasted oats. The honey nut kind have added sugar and with the honey and little brown sugar in this recipe the bars will already be sweet enough.
Instead of spreading the chocolate, you can make a pretty drizzle over the top.
To help the chocolate set faster you can let the bars rest in the fridge.

FAQ About Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

How to store cereal bars?

These bars can be stored tightly covered on the counter or in the fridge.

Can I use a different type of cheerios?

I recommend using plain cheerios or multi grain cheerios. Other flavors will have added sugar and there is already enough natural sugar in this recipe.

Are peanut butter cheerio bars healthy?

These bars are definitely healthier than a processed granola or candy bar. With the addition of flax seed there is some extra fiber and protein. These cereal bars do have honey (natural sugar) but it is still sugar and I feel it should be enjoyed in moderation. However, I don't ever feel guilty eating these or giving them to my children.

Baking dish of no bake peanut butter cereal bars, sliced and one slice on a spatula.

More No Bake Desserts to Enjoy:

No bake peanut butter cereal bars sliced and stacked 3 high on a spatula on a board in front of baking dish full of bars.

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