If you are searching for an easy, delicious treat to whip up in no time, look no further than this No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars (4 Ingredients) Recipe. Combining the smooth richness of peanut butter and chocolate with the satisfying crunch of Cheerios, these bars are a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Plus, since they require only four simple ingredients and absolutely no baking, they make a fantastic snack for busy days or last-minute guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these bars will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy in your No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars (4 Ingredients) Recipe. From the melty chocolate base to the crispy Cheerios, here’s what you’ll need to bring this treat to life:
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips: Choose semisweet or milk chocolate if you prefer, and opt for good quality chips to get that silky melt and rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 ¼ cup peanut butter, divided: Creamy peanut butter works best here, lending that unmistakable nutty depth and helping bind the Cheerios together.
- ¾ cup honey, divided: Honey adds natural sweetness and provides that sticky texture you want to keep the bars intact without baking.
- 5 cups Cheerios (plain): These bring the delightful crunch and wholesome charm, balancing the richness of chocolate and peanut butter.
How to Make No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars (4 Ingredients) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or greasing it with butter for an easy release. Line the pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a slight overhang on the sides. This little tip means when your bars are ready, you can lift them out effortlessly to slice without sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Microwave your chocolate chips at 50 percent power in 30-second bursts, stirring between each to avoid burning. Melt until just smooth and glossy. This step is crucial for creating the firm chocolate base that supports the bars and gives that decadent, fudgy first bite.
Step 3: Spread the Chocolate Layer
Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the lined pan, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover the entire bottom. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator to chill. This chocolate layer will harden, forming a sturdy foundation for the peanut butter and Cheerios mixture.
Step 4: Combine Peanut Butter, Honey, and Cheerios
In a medium saucepan, gently heat ¾ cup peanut butter with ¼ cup honey on low heat, stirring continuously until melted into a smooth blend. Then, quickly toss in the 5 cups Cheerios and stir until every bit is evenly coated. This mixture is what binds the Cheerios delightfully without baking, creating a chewy yet crunchy texture.
Step 5: Build the Bars
Remove the pan with the chilled chocolate base from the fridge and carefully spread the peanut butter and Cheerio mixture over the top. Use a spatula to press everything firmly down, ensuring the mixture sticks together well for clean bars that hold their shape.
Step 6: Drizzle the Final Peanut Butter-Honey Layer
Return to your saucepan and heat the remaining ½ cup peanut butter along with ½ cup honey until melted and smooth. Drizzle this luscious coating over the top of the Cheerios, then spread evenly with a spatula. This finishing touch adds extra sweetness and keeps the flavor beautifully balanced.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Let your bars cool to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This chilling time allows the peanut butter layer to firm up nicely. Once set, lift the entire block from the pan using the parchment edges and slice into bars. Cutting these with parchment paper lifts is so much easier and keeps the bars intact.
How to Serve No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars (4 Ingredients) Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle your bars with fun and flavorful toppings before chilling. Shredded coconut adds a tropical touch, chopped nuts bring extra crunch, and a scattering of chocolate chips or sprinkles makes them look party-ready. These garnishes can give your bars a personal twist and surprise your guests with varied textures.
Side Dishes
These bars shine wonderfully on their own as a snack but can also be paired with fresh fruit like apple slices or berries to balance sweetness with refreshing juiciness. A glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee complements these treats perfectly for a midday pick-me-up or an after-dinner indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, cut these bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter or serve them stacked on a cake stand. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift or party favor. The versatility of presentation really lets your creativity shine when serving these crowd-pleasers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars (4 Ingredients) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them chilled preserves their firm texture and rich flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy, just allow the bars a few minutes to warm to room temperature for the best taste experience.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time or keep them longer, freeze them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. They can last up to 2 months frozen. Before serving, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring them to room temperature to soften slightly for easy slicing.
Reheating
Since these bars don’t require baking, reheating is minimal. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this could melt the chocolate layer unevenly. Gentle warming is all they need to get back to delicious perfection.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra nutty texture to the bars, enhancing the chewiness and adding more crunch, which some people really love.
Is it okay to substitute maple syrup or agave for honey?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer, though honey does give a specific sticky consistency and flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter and chocolate.
How long do these bars stay good at room temperature?
These bars are best kept in the fridge because the chocolate and peanut butter can soften in warmth. At room temperature, expect them to last only a few hours before becoming too soft to hold together well.
Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Mixing in chopped nuts, dried berries, or seeds before pressing the bars adds wonderful variety and nutrition, just keep an eye on the overall ingredient volume so the bars hold together nicely.
Do these bars contain gluten?
Cheerios are generally gluten-free, but it’s important to check the packaging to ensure the variety you use is certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars (4 Ingredients) Recipe is one of those magical treats that feel fancy but are so easy anyone can make. They’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven, and the combination of flavors is truly irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how fast they become your go-to snack or dessert!
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No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars (4 Ingredients) Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are a simple and delicious treat made with just four ingredients. Combining rich melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter with crunchy Cheerios, these bars require no baking and are perfect for a quick snack or dessert. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors and a satisfying crunch, all ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate can also be used)
Peanut Butter Honey Mixture
- 1 ¼ cup peanut butter, divided
- ¾ cup honey, divided
Base Mix
- 5 cups plain Cheerios
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or grease it with butter. Line the pan with parchment paper with some overhang for easy removal later, then set aside.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval until the chocolate is just melted and smooth.
- Create the chocolate base: Pour the melted chocolate onto the lined baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula, ensuring it fully covers the bottom. Loosely cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill and set.
- Make peanut butter honey mixture for Cheerios: In a medium saucepan, combine ¾ cup peanut butter with ¼ cup honey. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Combine Cheerios: Pour the Cheerios into the saucepan with the melted peanut butter and honey mixture. Stir well to coat the cereal evenly.
- Assemble the first layer: Remove the chilled chocolate base from the refrigerator. Pour the peanut butter-coated Cheerios over the chocolate layer. Using a spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well.
- Prepare topping drizzle: In the same saucepan, combine the remaining ½ cup peanut butter and ½ cup honey. Heat over low heat, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Add topping: Drizzle this peanut butter honey mixture over the Cheerios layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly on top.
- Chill and set: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until the peanut butter topping has hardened.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into bars and serve. For best texture, let the bars warm to room temperature for a bit before enjoying.
Notes
- Lining the pan with parchment paper that has an overhang makes cutting and removing the bars much easier.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Leaving them out for too long can cause the bars to soften excessively.
- These bars taste best when served at room temperature, so allow them to sit out for a few minutes before eating.
- You can customize the topping before chilling by sprinkling shredded coconut, extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or colorful sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
