Crunchy Peanut Butter Cereal Bites Recipe

Sweet & Sticky Peanut Butter Cereal Bites Recipe

Mornings buzz with energy when you whip up these delightful peanut butter cereal bites that pack a punch of flavor and nutrition.

Sweet meets crunchy in every single bite, melding childhood nostalgia with grown-up snacking satisfaction.

These no-bake treats come together in minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Crisp cereal provides a perfect textural backdrop for creamy peanut butter rich essence.

Each bite delivers a balanced blend of sweetness and protein that keeps hunger at bay.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to devour, these cereal bites promise to become your new favorite grab-and-go snack.

Dive into this delectable recipe and transform your snack game with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 40 minutes (includes setting time)

Calories: 146 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients to Make Peanut Butter Cereal Bites

For Binding Base:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich, nutty flavor and helps hold ingredients together.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that adds smooth texture and helps create sticky consistency for perfect bite formation.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and rounds out the sweet-savory profile of the bites.
For Crunchy Structure:
  • Cheerios: Crispy whole grain cereal that creates delightful texture and provides a light, satisfying base for the no-bake treat.

Supplies Needed for Cereal Bites

  • Microwave-safe bowl: Large container for melting and mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spoon or spatula: To stir and mix peanut butter mixture.
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet or cupcake liners: For forming and setting the cereal bites.
  • Measuring spoon: To measure vanilla extract precisely.

Simple Steps for Peanut Butter Cereal Bites

  • Melty Base

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and blend peanut butter with honey. Warm the mixture until it becomes smooth and silky, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

  • Flavor Infusion

Add a splash of vanilla to create depth and richness in the creamy mixture. Stir gently to distribute the aromatic essence evenly.

  • Cereal Coating

Pour Cheerios into the warm peanut butter blend. Tenderly fold the cereal, ensuring each piece gets a luxurious golden-brown jacket of sweet goodness.

  • Forming Treats

Scoop the mixture onto a parchment-lined surface, creating bite-sized clusters. Let these little nuggets rest and solidify at room temperature.

  • Cooling and Enjoying

Allow the treats to set for about an hour. They’ll transform from gooey to perfectly firm, ready to be devoured as a quick energy boost or satisfying snack. Store in an airtight container for ongoing munching pleasure.

Tips & Variations for Cereal Bites

  • Mix different cereals like Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes for unique texture variations.
  • Sprinkle chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts into the mixture for added protein and healthy fats.
  • Refrigerate bites for faster setting and a firmer consistency, perfect for hot summer days.
  • Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for alternative natural sweeteners that complement the peanut butter's rich taste.
  • Keep these bites fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended shelf life.

Serving Peanut Butter Cereal Bites

  • Quick Kiddie Treat: Pack these bites in small colorful containers for school lunches, adding a fun protein-packed snack that kids will love.
  • Dessert Companion: Serve these alongside vanilla ice cream or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an elevated sweet experience that transforms the simple bites into a decadent dessert.
  • Protein Power Boost: Crumble these bites over yogurt or smoothie bowls to add crunch and extra nutritional value, making breakfast or post-workout snacks more exciting and satisfying.
  • Movie Night Munchies: Create a snack platter with these cereal bites, mixed nuts, and dried fruits for a delightful nibbling experience during family movie or game nights.

Storing Cereal Bites Snacking

  • Quick Snack Prep: Make a double batch during weekend meal prep to have grab-and-go treats ready for busy weekdays. Store extras in an airtight container for convenient snacking.
  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep bites in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling helps maintain their firm texture and prevents them from becoming too soft at room temperature.
  • Freezer Stash Strategy: Freeze individual bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected hunger moments.
  • Kid-Friendly Portion Control: Use mini cupcake liners to create perfectly sized portions for children's lunchboxes or after-school snacks. Pack them separately to keep their crisp texture intact.
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Crunchy Peanut Butter Cereal Bites Recipe

Crunchy Peanut Butter Cereal Bites Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (includes setting time)
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade peanut butter cereal bites combine crispy rice cereal with creamy peanut butter for an irresistible no-bake treat. Sweet and salty flavors blend perfectly, offering quick satisfaction when hunger strikes and you crave something delightful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (118 ml) peanut butter
  • ½ cup (170 g) honey
  • 4 cups (120 g) plain Cheerios
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gather a microwave-safe bowl and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Melting Phase: Combine peanut butter and honey in the bowl, heating in 30-second intervals while stirring until achieving a silky, homogeneous liquid with smooth consistency.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate vanilla extract into the warm mixture, whisking thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence evenly throughout the base.
  4. Coating Process: Delicately fold Cheerios into the glossy peanut butter blend, ensuring each cereal piece receives comprehensive coverage with the luscious mixture.
  5. Shaping and Setting: Carefully spoon the coated cereal onto the prepared parchment sheet, creating uniform clusters or distributing into individual cupcake liners for precise, portion-controlled bites.
  6. Cooling and Stabilization: Allow the treats to rest at room temperature, permitting them to solidify and develop a delightful, slightly chewy texture for approximately 30-60 minutes until completely set and firm.
  7. Serving: Present these delectable, no-bake morsels as a convenient snack or energizing morning treat, ready to be enjoyed at room temperature.

Notes

  • Microwave Mastery: Heat peanut butter and honey in short intervals to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even melting.
  • Texture Tip: Stir continuously while microwaving to achieve a silky, pourable consistency that coats cereal perfectly.
  • Coating Technique: Fold Cheerios gently to maintain their crunch while ensuring complete and uniform peanut butter coverage.
  • Setting Secrets: Allow bites to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, with longer setting times creating firmer, more stable treats.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Breakfast
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 146
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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