Easy No-Bake Cheerio & Peanut Butter Bars: Perfect Toddler Snacks for School
Easy No-Bake Cheerio & Peanut Butter Bars: Perfect Toddler Snacks for School
Looking for the perfect toddler-friendly snack that’s both nutritious and easy to make? These no-bake Cheerio and peanut butter bars are exactly what busy parents need! Whether you’re packing school lunches, preparing on-the-go snacks, or looking for cooking activities to do with your little ones, this recipe checks all the boxes. Simple enough for toddlers to help with and delicious enough that they’ll actually eat them, these bars are a win-win for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cheerios cereal (or similar oat-based cereal)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Measure out all your ingredients and place them within easy reach. This is a great step for toddlers to help with – they can count out the cups of Cheerios or help pour the peanut butter!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter and honey. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix with Cereal
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the Cheerios in a large bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the cereal is evenly coated. If using chocolate chips, add them now.
Step 4: Press and Chill
Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan. Press down firmly with your hands or a spatula to create an even layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
Step 5: Cut and Serve
Remove from refrigerator and cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Expert Tips
- Toddler Helper Tasks: Let your child pour ingredients, stir (with supervision), and help press the mixture into the pan
- Allergy-Friendly Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for nut-free versions
- Portion Control: Cut into small bars perfect for little hands
- Make-Ahead: These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months
- Customization: Add dried fruit, coconut flakes, or seeds for extra nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter.
How long do these bars last?
They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Are these suitable for school lunch boxes?
Yes! They’re perfect for school snacks – just make sure to check your school’s nut policy first.
Can toddlers really help make these?
Definitely! Simple pouring, stirring, and pressing tasks are perfect for little hands with supervision.
Easy No-Bake Cheerio & Peanut Butter Bars: Perfect Toddler Snacks for School
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients and place them within easy reach
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter and honey, heat over low heat stirring constantly until smooth and well combined, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract
- Mix with Cereal: Pour warm peanut butter mixture over Cheerios in a large bowl and gently fold until all cereal is evenly coated, adding chocolate chips if using
- Press and Chill: Transfer mixture to parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan, press down firmly to create even layer, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm
- Cut and Serve: Remove from refrigerator and cut into bars or squares
