Name: Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups Honey Nut Cheerios; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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If there’s one snack that brings instant smiles and a whole lot of nostalgia, it’s Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites. These no-bake treats are pure magic—each bite is crunchy, chewy, and perfectly sweet, thanks to the duo of creamy peanut butter and honey hugging every single cereal puff. Whether you’re wrangling hangry kiddos, need an afternoon pick-me-up, or just want a fun little something to brighten your day, this recipe delivers joy in every cheerful bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This short ingredient list is all about simplicity, but don’t let that fool you—each component is essential for ultimate flavor and that delightful chewy-crunchy texture. Here’s the role each ingredient plays in making these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites all kinds of irresistible.

Honey Nut Cheerios: These classics provide the signature crunch and a subtle honey sweetness that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Choose your favorite brand for rich flavor and smooth texture—this is what makes the bites stick together and taste extra indulgent.
Honey: Natural sweetness with a gentle floral note, honey acts as both a sweetener and the “glue” that brings it all together.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash rounds out the flavors and gives the bites a warm, homey aroma.
Pinch of Salt: Don’t skip this! Even a tiny bit of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites

Step 1: Melt Peanut Butter and Honey Together

In a small saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter and honey over medium heat. Stir constantly—think gentle swirls—for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture transforms into a glossy, smooth sauce. Heating helps everything blend beautifully and makes mixing with the Cheerios much easier.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt

Take the saucepan off the heat, then quickly stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. These two little additions are game-changers—don’t skip them! The vanilla gives a subtle fragrance, while the salt sharpens all the other flavors.

Step 3: Coat the Cheerios

Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over your Honey Nut Cheerios, which should be waiting in a large mixing bowl. Gently stir from the bottom with a spatula or big spoon, making sure to coat every piece. The goal is glossy, evenly-coated cereal for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Shape Into Bites

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle but not yet firm. Scoop out a spoonful at a time and use your hands to roll into bite-sized balls. Embrace a little mess here—it’s part of the fun! Place each ball onto a parchment-lined tray as you go.

Step 5: Chill Until Firm

Transfer the tray to the refrigerator and let your Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites chill for at least 30 minutes. This gives them time to set up, lock in that satisfying texture, and makes them oh-so-snackable.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites

Garnishes

These bites are pretty perfect as they are, but if you want an extra flair, try drizzling them with a touch of melted dark chocolate or rolling the tops in a little shredded coconut. You can even sparkle them up with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet finish!

Side Dishes

For a snack plate, pair your Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries, or toss a handful alongside a cup of creamy Greek yogurt. They’re also a fantastic addition to lunchboxes with carrot sticks or celery for a wholesome treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn snack time into a party by arranging the bites in colorful cupcake liners or stacking them on a vintage cake stand. If you’re gifting, tuck a few bites in a small mason jar tied with ribbon. For kids, thread them onto a wooden skewer for tasty, edible “bead necklaces” (just make sure little ones are supervised!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the bites have set, pop any extras into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about a week and retain that delightful chewy texture, though they almost never last that long in my house!

Freezing

To freeze, line the bites up on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to thaw before serving, and you’ll have a ready-to-go snack anytime.

Reheating

While Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if you’ve frozen them and want a softer texture, just let them sit out for about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will melt the honey and peanut butter and make them messy.

FAQs

Can I use plain Cheerios instead of Honey Nut Cheerios?

Absolutely! Regular Cheerios work just as well and will yield slightly less sweetness. You can always add a bit more honey if you want the bites a tad sweeter.

Can I substitute almond butter or another nut butter?

Yes, almond butter or even cashew butter are great alternatives. Each brings its own unique flavor, and the texture stays beautifully chewy regardless of which you choose. Just steer clear of extra-oily or natural nut butters, which may not hold the bites together as well.

Are these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure your Cheerios are labeled gluten-free, as some varieties may come in contact with gluten during processing. With gluten-free ingredients, these bites are a perfect option for those avoiding gluten.

How can I make these bites more fun for kids?

Get the kids involved! Let them roll the mixture into balls or press in some mini chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles before chilling. The hands-on part makes this snack extra special—and a little messy, but that’s part of the fun.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe easily doubles for bigger gatherings or meal prepping. Just make sure you have a large enough bowl to mix everything together, and remember to chill on a couple of trays if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good snack that’s a hit with adults and kids alike, you can’t go wrong with these Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites. They come together in minutes, store beautifully, and always disappear fast. Give them a try—your snack game is about to get a whole lot more delicious!

Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peanut Butter Cheerio Bites are a simple and delicious no-bake snack that combines the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of honey and the crunch of Cheerios. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a lunchbox treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Cheerio Bites:

3 cups Honey Nut Cheerios

Peanut Butter Mixture:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter and honey. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Pour the warm mixture over the Cheerios in a large mixing bowl and gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then use a spoon or your hands to form into bite-sized balls.
Place the bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.