Healthy Chex Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert, Chex Peanut Butter Bars are the answer. These chewy, crunchy bars combine the irresistible flavors of peanut butter, honey, and cereal into a snack that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re prepping a lunchbox treat, an after-school snack, or a quick dessert for a party, peanut butter Chex mix bars are a go-to choice.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Chex Bars
- No baking required – quick and oven-free
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Gluten-free option using rice Chex
- Sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite
- Perfect for meal prep and snacking
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make healthy peanut butter bars at home:
- 6 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn Chex work best)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter (for extra richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: mini chocolate chips, chia seeds, or crushed peanuts for topping
How to Make Chex Peanut Butter Bars (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove and slice the bars.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil together. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix with Chex Cereal
Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Gently mix with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
4. Press and Chill
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or wax paper to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours or until set.
5. Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares or rectangles. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- No-Bake Brownie Batter Peanut Butter Bars: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the peanut butter mixture and top with chocolate chips for a fudgy twist.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for more texture.
- Add protein powder or chia seeds for an energy boost.
- For dessert-style bars, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before chilling.
Why These Peanut Butter Chex Mix Bars Work
This recipe brings the nostalgic crunch of Chex cereal together with creamy peanut butter, making it the perfect chewy-meets-crispy snack. They’re also freezer-friendly, which means you can make a batch ahead of time and always have a wholesome treat on hand.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
These Chex Peanut Butter Bars are a game-changer when you need a healthy, easy-to-make snack that satisfies your cravings. Whether you call them Chex cereal bars with peanut butter one thing is certain — you’ll want to make them again and again!
Read also:
Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups
Protein Peanut Butter Cups recipe
Easy Banana Yogurt Popsicles Recipe
