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Easy No-Bake Cheerio & Peanut Butter Bars: Perfect Toddler Snacks for School and On-the-Go

These nutritious, no-bake bars combine Cheerios, peanut butter, and honey for a healthy, portable snack that toddlers love. They're quick to make, perfect for cooking with kids, and ideal for school lunches or on-the-go energy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 cups Cheerios cereal
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Measure out all your ingredients and have them ready. This is a great step for toddlers to help with - they can pour the Cheerios into the measuring cup and help count out the ingredients.
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and honey. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
  3. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the Cheerios in a large bowl. Add the chocolate chips and dried fruit. Gently fold everything together until the Cheerios are evenly coated.
  4. Transfer the mixture to an 8x8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars of your desired size.

Notes

Make it a learning experience for toddlers by letting them help measure and mix. For nut-free versions, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.