I’m always looking some easy healthy snack ideas for my daughter Allison.

She’s a pretty selective eater, and when she finds something she likes, she sticks with it for awhile. First it was my peanut butter energy balls, and now this.

I like having quick breakfast and snacks available- things with simple ingredients that I can make with little time.

These 3 ingredient cereal bars are perfect for that! Using our favorite cereal and other pantry staples, we can make a sweet treat that’s healthy enough for breakfast OR dessert.

Scroll down to get to the recipe card and print the recipe for this delicious snack!

The perfect school snack or easy breakfast idea

If your child or school isn’t peanut-free, these delicious bars are great for putting in a lunch box! They have a good amount of protein and healthy fat from the peanut butter, plus whole grains from the cereal to help keep you full.

These are also a quick breakfast option! Allison has been enjoying these- so much that I had to make two batches in a week to keep up with her appetite! It’s a good thing I always keep these ingredients in the house.

What kind of peanut butter works best?

Honestly, I’ve only used creamy peanut butter with this. But any kind will work:

• Crunchy peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Sunflower seed butter for those with a peanut allergy

Can you make these with a microwave?

Yes, you don’t need a stovetop to make this tasty treat!

Instead of a pot, put the peanut butter and honey in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second increments, stirring each time. Then you can pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl along with the Cheerios.

Ingredients

Cheerios cereal- I used plain Cheerios, but the Honey Nut Cheerios variety would be fine too IF you don’t have a nut allergy

Honey- Maple syrup should work as well

Peanut butter- I use natural peanut butter, with the only ingredients being peanuts and salt.

Optional: A little vanilla extract would help enhance the flavor!

How to make

In a large pot, add the honey and peanut butter and heat on low for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.

Remove peanut butter mixture from heat and stir in the Cheerios until the cereal is fully coated.

Smooth out the mixture into an 8×8 casserole dish lined with parchment paper. Place in the fridge for at least an hour to let the bars cool and solidify.

Carefully remove from the dish and onto a cutting board, and cut into 8 slices.

How to store

After cutting the bars, I put them in an airtight container and kept them in the fridge. I don’t recommend leaving them out on the counter at room temperature, as they will soften and get crumbly. You can also wrap each one in plastic wrap to put in lunch boxes.

These may be a little sticky even after being refrigerated, so be prepared with a napkin for easier handling!

The first time I made these, they were very crumbly. But the next time, they turned out perfect! I don’t know if I left them in the fridge longer before cutting, or messed up the amount of honey or peanut butter. Sometimes we just have to experiment!

Get the full recipe for these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars below: