Try these delicious no bake peanut butter cereal bars. A perfect for on-the-go snack or dessert. These bars are not only easy to make but also a delightful mix of crunchy textures and rich peanut butter flavor. Ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick sweet treat, they bring joy to any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate M&M’s creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these bars suit any event or gathering.
- No Baking Required: Skip the oven and enjoy a hassle-free dessert that requires minimal effort.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into this recipe, gather your kitchen tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Non-stick spray
- Baking pan (15 x 10 x 1)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large space is necessary for combining the cereals, nuts, and syrup mixture evenly.
- Saucepan: Essential for heating the corn syrup and sugar until it reaches the right consistency.
- Non-stick spray: Prevents the mixture from sticking to the baking pan, ensuring easy removal later.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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. Set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheerios, crisp rice cereal, dry roasted peanuts, and M&M’s. Stir gently until evenly mixed. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat Syrup Mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan:
1. Bring the light corn syrup and sugar to a boil over medium heat.
2. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
3. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the syrup mixture over the cereal mixture in the large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated.
Step 5: Set the Bars
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Press down firmly with a spatula or your hands to ensure it holds together. Let sit until set before cutting into bars.
Enjoy your homemade no bake peanut butter cereal bars as a delightful treat anytime!
How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
No bake peanut butter cereal bars are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a movie night, or simply a quick snack, these bars will fit perfectly into your occasion.
For a Quick Snack
- Slice and Pack: Cut the bars into individual portions and pack them in snack bags for an easy grab-and-go option.
- Pair with Fruit: Serve alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or bananas for a balanced snack.
As a Dessert
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars for an extra treat.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Crumble the bars over vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae topping.
At Parties
- Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a platter with other desserts like brownies or cookies for variety.
- Garnish with Nuts: Top each bar with crushed peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance flavor and presentation.
How to Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Making perfect no bake peanut butter cereal bars is all about attention to detail. These tips will help you achieve that ideal texture and flavor.
- Boldly Measure Your Ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Boldly Choose Your Cereal: Experiment with different cereals like Rice Krispies or Cheerios for varied crunchiness.
- Boldly Mix Well: Ensure that all ingredients are well combined; this helps the bars hold together better.
- Boldly Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to completely cool before cutting them to maintain their shape and prevent crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
No bake peanut butter cereal bars are tasty on their own, but they can also be paired with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your dessert.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats add elegance and indulgence to your serving.
- Trail Mix: Offer a blend of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate pieces for crunchy bites.
- Cheese Cubes: Sharp cheddar or creamy brie can provide a savory counterpoint to sweet bars.
- Mini Muffins: Pairing with assorted mini muffins can enhance your dessert spread with different flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making no bake peanut butter cereal bars can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here are some tips to ensure success.
Skipping the non-stick spray: Failing to spray the pan can lead to messy bars that stick. Always spray your pan generously to make removal easy.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using imprecise measurements can ruin the texture and flavor of the bars. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
Overheating the syrup mixture: Boiling the syrup mixture for too long can cause it to become too thick. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it boils.
Not letting the bars set properly: Cutting into the bars too soon will lead to crumbling. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Using chunky peanut butter: Chunky peanut butter can change the consistency of your bars. Stick with creamy peanut butter for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking.
Freezing No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
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 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until soft.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cereals in my no bake peanut butter cereal bars?
Yes! Feel free to mix and match cereals like Rice Krispies or even granola for a unique twist on your no bake peanut butter cereal bars.
How do I know when my no bake peanut butter cereal bars are ready?
The mixture should be firm and hold its shape when you press it into the pan. It usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature before cutting is recommended.
What should I do if my mixture is too sticky?
If your mixture is too sticky, try adding a bit more cereal or peanuts until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I customize my no bake peanut butter cereal bars?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even swap out peanuts for your favorite nut or seed. Customization makes these bars even more fun!
Final Thoughts
These no bake peanut butter cereal bars are not only quick and easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. With options for customization, you can adapt them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delicious snack that’s perfect for on-the-go moments!
No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Indulge in these no bake peanut butter cereal bars, the perfect on-the-go snack or dessert that combines crunchy textures with rich peanut butter flavor. Easy to prepare and ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick sweet treat, these bars will brighten up any occasion. With each bite, you’ll enjoy an irresistible blend of creamy peanut butter and delightful chocolate M&M’s. Plus, they’re customizable—add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch. No baking required means you can whip these up in just a few minutes and store them for later enjoyment.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Spray a 15” x 10” x 1” baking pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Cheerios, crisp rice cereal, peanuts, and M&M's; mix gently.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring corn syrup and sugar to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour syrup mixture over dry ingredients; toss until well coated.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg