3-Ingredient No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars: A Kid-Friendly and Healthy Treat

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER CHEERIO BARS: A SIMPLE SNACK YOU CAN FEEL GOOD ABOUT

Snack time—every parent’s favorite (and sometimes most stressful) part of the day. You want something quick, easy, and nutritious, but also something that’ll actually get eaten. Enter the no-bake peanut butter Cheerio bars—three ingredients, zero oven time, and 100% kid-approved. Plus, these bars are healthier than their store-bought counterparts, so you can feel good about what’s in them. Let’s jump into this easy, no-fuss recipe that’ll make snack time a breeze. But before we get started, quick heads-up: this recipe includes honey, so it’s not suitable for babies under one. Now, let’s get snacking!

THE RECIPE: 3 INGREDIENTS, ONE DELICIOUS SNACK

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy—your call)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 cups Cheerios (or whatever cereal your kids are into)

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey.
2. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the peanut butter is slightly melted.
3. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and gooey—this is the magic that’ll hold everything together.
4. Add the Cheerios and fold them in gently until they’re well coated in the peanut butter goodness.
5. Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper (or spray it with non-stick spray) for easy removal.
6. Transfer the mixture into the dish, pressing it down firmly into an even layer.
7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let everything set.
8. Once firm, slice them into your preferred shapes and sizes—go ahead and get creative!

A LITTLE NOTE ON HONEY AND BABIES UNDER ONE

Before you get too excited, let’s have a quick talk about honey. Honey is not safe for babies under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism. This rare but serious condition can be caused when babies eat honey contaminated with spores their digestive systems can’t handle. So, while these bars are a hit with older kids, keep them away from your littlest one! Instead, check with your pediatrician for other snack options for babies under one.

TIPS, TRICKS & VARIATIONS FOR EXTRA FUN

Now, while these bars are already a total winner, here are a few ways to switch things up and make them even more fun:

• Add in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Toss in dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a little sweetness and chew.
• Use gluten-free Cheerios or any other gluten-free cereal option to make them allergy-friendly.
• If you’ve got a creative kiddo on your hands, shape the mixture into fun designs using cookie cutters.

OTHER HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS TO TRY

If you’re looking for even more easy, healthy snacks to keep on hand, here are a few of our favorites:

• Fruit Kabobs: Skewer chunks of fresh fruit for a colorful and fun snack that kids will love.
• Veggie Dippers: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips with hummus or yogurt dip are a crunchy, satisfying snack.
• Greek Yogurt Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a snack that’s as cute as it is tasty.
• Frozen Banana Pops: Dip banana halves in melted chocolate and freeze for a sweet treat on a hot day.
• Apple Sandwiches: Spread peanut butter between apple slices for a crunchy, satisfying snack that’s easy to eat on the go.

A SIMPLE, NUTRITIOUS SNACK YOU CAN FEEL GOOD ABOUT

These no-bake peanut butter Cheerio bars are the perfect snack solution for busy parents. With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ve got a snack that’s easy, nutritious, and, most importantly, something your kids will actually want to eat. And while you can’t share these with babies under one, older kids will love them, and you’ll love how simple and satisfying they are. So, go ahead, make a batch, and enjoy a little extra peace of mind (and snack time joy) today. Happy snacking!