No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Try these delicious no bake peanut butter cereal bars. A perfect for on-the-go snack or dessert, these bars combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with the crunch of cereal and the fun of M&M’s. Quick to prepare and requiring no baking, they are ideal for busy days or gatherings. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and they are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These no bake peanut butter cereal bars can be made in just 25 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet M&M’s, and crunchy cereals creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Snack: Great for lunchboxes, parties, or just as a sweet treat at home, these bars fit any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from peanuts and fiber from cereals, they provide a satisfying snack without compromising on taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out M&M’s for your favorite chocolate or nuts to create your unique version.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your no bake peanut butter cereal bars, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Medium saucepan: This is essential for heating the corn syrup and sugar mixture until it boils.
• Non-stick spray: Prevents sticking when spreading your mixture into the pan, ensuring easy removal later.

Ingredients

Try these delicious no bake peanut butter cereal bars. A perfect for on-the-go snack or dessert.

For the Bars

• 4 cups cheerios
• 4 cups crisp rice cereal
• 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
• 2 cups M&M’s
• 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 the Baking Pan

Spray a 15” x 10” x 1” baking pan with non-stick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
* Cheerios
* Crisp rice cereal
* Dry roasted peanuts
* M&M’s

Toss them together gently so they are well mixed. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cook the Syrup Mixture

In a medium-sized saucepan:
1. Combine light corn syrup and sugar.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring frequently.
3. Once it reaches a boil, remove from heat. Stir in creamy peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the syrup mixture over the dry ingredient mixture in your large mixing bowl.
– Use a spatula to toss everything together until all pieces are evenly coated with the syrup.

Step 5: Set in Pan

Spread the combined mixture into your prepared baking pan evenly using your spatula.
– Allow it to sit at room temperature until fully set (about an hour).

Now you have delicious no bake peanut butter cereal bars ready to enjoy!

How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

No bake peanut butter cereal bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delightful dessert, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

As a Snack on the Go

• These bars are perfect for busy days. Pack them in a snack bag for a quick energy boost while running errands or during your commute.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pairing these bars with fresh fruit like bananas or strawberries adds a refreshing touch. The sweetness of the fruit complements the rich peanut butter flavor.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

• For a delicious breakfast or dessert, crumble the bars over yogurt. This adds crunch and enhances flavor, making it a satisfying treat.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars before serving. This adds an extra layer of indulgence that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

Served at Parties

• Cut the bars into smaller squares for easy serving at parties. They make great finger food and are sure to please guests of all ages.

How to Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Perfecting your no bake peanut butter cereal bars is simple with these tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure every batch turns out delicious.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always check the freshness of your peanuts and cereals for the best flavor.
• Measure accurately: Ensure precise measurements of corn syrup and peanut butter to achieve the right texture.
• Mix thoroughly: Stir the syrup mixture well into the dry ingredients to ensure even coating without any dry spots.
• Let set properly: Allow sufficient time for the bars to set before cutting them. This helps maintain their shape.
• Store correctly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like dried fruits or seeds for added nutrition and flavor variety.

Best Side Dishes for No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

To complement your no bake peanut butter cereal bars, consider these side dishes that bring balance and variety to your meal.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the bars.

2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
   Crunchy vegetable sticks paired with creamy hummus offer a healthy snack option that balances sweetness with savory flavors.

3. Chocolate Milkshake
   A thick chocolate milkshake enhances indulgence, creating a delightful pairing with the nutty cereal bars.

4. Trail Mix
   A homemade trail mix featuring nuts, seeds, and dried fruit can add crunch and additional nutrients alongside your bars.

5. Ice Cream Sundae
   Top off each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat that everyone will love.

6. Smoothie Bowl
   A smoothie bowl topped with granola and fruits makes for a nutritious side that pairs well with the sweet flavors of the cereal bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making no bake peanut butter cereal bars, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the non-stick spray: Not spraying the pan can lead to sticky bars that are hard to remove. Always coat your pan with non-stick spray before spreading the mixture.

• Overcooking the syrup: If you boil the corn syrup and sugar too long, it can become too hard. Monitor it carefully and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a boil.

• Not mixing thoroughly: Failing to coat the cereal mixture evenly with the syrup can result in dry spots. Make sure to toss everything together until all pieces are well coated.

• Using crunchy peanut butter: While you might love its texture, using crunchy peanut butter can affect how well the bars hold together. Stick with creamy peanut butter for best results.

• Cutting bars too soon: Cutting into the bars before they have fully set can cause them to crumble. Allow them to sit until firm for clean slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container. This keeps the bars fresh and prevents them from absorbing moisture.
• They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

• Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn and makes for easy snacking later.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.

Reheating No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars in 10-15 second intervals until just warm; this keeps them soft without melting.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through; be careful not to let them get too hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cereals for my no bake peanut butter cereal bars?

Yes, you can substitute other cereals like Rice Krispies or Cornflakes. Just make sure they have a similar texture for best results.

How do I make no bake peanut butter cereal bars vegan?

To make these delicious no bake peanut butter cereal bars vegan, use maple syrup instead of corn syrup and ensure your chocolate candies are dairy-free.

Are there any nut-free alternatives for these no bake peanut butter cereal bars?

You can replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. These alternatives provide similar texture without nuts.

What is the best way to cut no bake peanut butter cereal bars?

Use a sharp knife and spray it lightly with non-stick spray before cutting. This helps prevent sticking and ensures clean edges.

Final Thoughts

These no bake peanut butter cereal bars are perfect for busy days or as a delightful dessert. They offer endless customization options, such as adding chocolate chips or dried fruit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a tasty snack that’s quick and easy!