No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Name: No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cheerios; 4 cups crisp rice cereal; 2 cups dry roasted peanuts; 2 cups M&Ms; 2 cups light corn syrup; 1 ¾ cups sugar; 2 ½ cups creamy peanut butter; 1 ¾ teaspoons vanilla

Published: August 7, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These no bake peanut butter cereal bars come together in just 25 minutes, making them a breeze to whip up.
Versatile Snack: Perfect for any occasion, these bars can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast option.
Crowd-Pleaser: With the combination of peanut butter and M&Ms, they appeal to both kids and adults alike!
Customizable: Feel free to swap out the ingredients to suit your taste—try different cereals or add your favorite nuts!
No Baking Required: Skip the oven! This recipe allows you to create delicious treats without any baking hassle.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather all the essential tools that will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Medium saucepan
Non-stick spray
Spatula
15” x 10” x 1 inch baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients evenly.
Medium saucepan: Use this for heating the corn syrup and sugar until it reaches a boil. It’s crucial for achieving the right consistency.
Non-stick spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious bars from the pan.

Ingredients

For the Bars

4 cups cheerios
4 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups dry roasted peanuts
2 cups M&Ms
2 cups light corn syrup
1 ¾ cups sugar
2 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
1 ¾ teaspoons vanilla

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Spray a 15” x 10” x 1 inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheerios, crisp rice cereal, dry roasted peanuts, and M&Ms. Set aside.

Step 3: Make Peanut Butter Mixture

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the light corn syrup and sugar to a boil over medium heat.
Stir frequently until it reaches a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla until well blended.

Step 4: Mix with Cereal

Pour the syrup mixture over the cereal mixture in the large mixing bowl.
Toss everything together until coated evenly.

Step 5: Set The Bars

Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.
Let sit at room temperature until set before cutting into bars.

Enjoy your homemade no bake peanut butter cereal bars! They are sure to be a hit wherever you serve them!

How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

These no bake peanut butter cereal bars are perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed as a quick snack, a satisfying dessert, or even shared during gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience with these delicious treats.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

Bananas – Slice fresh bananas and serve alongside the bars for a sweet and nutritious pairing.
Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing touch and vibrant color to your plate.

Enjoy with Dairy

Milk – A cold glass of milk complements the rich flavors of the bars, making it an ideal snack.
Yogurt – Serve the bars crumbled over yogurt for added creaminess and flavor.

Make It Festive

Ice Cream – Top with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the bars for an extra treat.

As a Lunchbox Snack

Pack in Lunches – These bars are perfect for kids’ lunchboxes or adult snacks at work. They travel well and provide energy throughout the day.

How to Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Perfecting your no bake peanut butter cereal bars is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.

Use fresh ingredients – Always check the expiration dates on peanut butter and corn syrup to enhance flavor.
Adjust sweetness – Feel free to modify the sugar amount based on your taste preference; less sugar gives a healthier twist.
Press firmly – When spreading the mixture into the pan, press down firmly to help the bars hold their shape once set.
Cool completely – Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for easier cutting and better texture.
Store properly – Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.

Best Side Dishes for No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

No bake peanut butter cereal bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying them at home, these sides will enhance your experience.

Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and complements the sweetness of the bars.
Veggie Sticks – Crunchy carrots and celery offer a healthy contrast, adding crunch and nutrients.
Trail Mix – A blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits provides an energy boost alongside your treats.
Cheese Platter – Various cheeses can balance the sweetness of the bars while offering savory options.
Granola Cups – Serve granola cups filled with yogurt for added texture and flavor diversity.
Nut Butter Dip – Provide different nut butters for dipping, enhancing flavors while keeping it fun!
Popcorn – Lightly salted popcorn makes for a crunchy snack that pairs well with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars can be simple, but small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Overmixing the ingredients: This can make the bars too dense. Mix just until everything is evenly coated.
Using the wrong pan size: A pan that’s too small may overflow, and one too large will yield thin bars. Stick to 15” x 10” for the best results.
Not allowing enough time to set: Rushing this step can result in crumbly bars. Let them sit until they are fully firm before cutting.
Ignoring measurements: Using more or less of an ingredient can change the texture and taste drastically. Always measure accurately, especially with sticky ingredients like peanut butter.
Skipping the non-stick spray: This mistake can lead to a sticky mess when trying to remove the bars. Always spray your pan before adding the mixture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Keep them in a cool part of your fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil.
Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last up to three months.

Reheating No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and warm the bars for about 5-10 minutes. This helps restore some softness.
Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds per bar as needed. Be careful not to overheat, or they may become too soft.
Stovetop: Place bars in a pan on low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally. This method helps retain their shape while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cereals for No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars?

Yes, you can mix and match cereals! Just ensure you have a similar volume to maintain texture.

How do I make No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars healthier?

You can substitute honey for corn syrup and use natural peanut butter with no added sugar. Adding dried fruits can also enhance nutrition.

How long do No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last about one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

What other mix-ins can I add to my Peanut Butter Cereal Bars?

Feel free to incorporate nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch!

Final Thoughts

These No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They serve as a perfect snack for busy days or a sweet dessert after meals. You can customize them easily with your favorite cereals or mix-ins, making them fun for everyone in the family. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card