Peanut Butter Cheerios Marshmallow Treats are the ultimate lunchbox addition or after-school snack! Swap in your nut butter of choice for these chewy cereal treats that come together in minutes and require no baking at all.
Table of Contents
Step aside, Rice Krispies treats! Move on over, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars. There’s a new stackable sweet in town and it sneaks in a one-two protein punch with the addition of creamy peanut butter. The result is marshmallow treats with a mission: To satisfy and stave off hunger for taste testers of all ages!
I like to think of these peanut butter Cheerios bars as the slightly more mature version of their Rice Krispies counterpart. They’re just as sticky-sweet, but with a bit more nutritional value and additional versatility when it comes to customizing the flavor.
If peanut butter isn’t an option due to allergies or other concerns, whisk in any other type of nut butter to ensure a touch of protein lands in ever chewy Cheerio-packed bite. And feel free to mix up the festive drizzle on top with white chocolate, dark chocolate, semisweet chocolate or a combination of all three.
These quick-fix marshmallow treats come together in minutes and make for the ultimate lunchbox addition, after-school snack or easy solution for hungry husbands (they’re kid- and adult-tested… and approved!). So grab the box of Cheerios and your favorite nut butter and get ready to satisfy those cravings with the latest and greatest marshmallow treats to hit the snack scene.
- Butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter, but salted butter works too. The bars will just be a bit saltier.
- Marshmallows: The key ingredient that creates that classic chewy, gooey consistency we all know and love.
- Vanilla extract: Two teaspoons enhance the overall taste and balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and peanut butter.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter brings a nutty and smooth texture to the treats. If you prefer chunky peanut butter or want some extra crunch, feel free to use it instead.
- Cheerios cereal: Star of the show, providing a satisfying crunch and taste to the treats. Get creative with different flavors – Chocolate Cheerios would be amazing!
- Chocolate chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are used for drizzling atop the bars as a finishing touch that takes them to the next level of deliciousness. Because everyone knows that peanut butter and chocolate is the best combo!
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- If you have nut allergies or simply want to avoid peanuts, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter or any other nut-free spread of your choice.
- White chocolate, dark chocolate or even butterscotch chips can all be used to drizzle atop the bars.
- Get creative with different toppings. Sprinkle crushed pretzels, chopped nuts or sprinkles over the chocolate drizzle for a decorative touch.
- Prepare the pan. Coat a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove them later.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows. In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the marshmallows to the saucepan and stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and combined with the butter. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the peanut butter and Cheerios. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter then stir in the Cheerios until they are well coated.
- Press into the pan. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing it firmly into an even layer. This step ensures the bars hold their shape once they set.
- Allow to set. Let the bars cool to room temperature.
- Drizzle with chocolate. Once the treats are completely cooled, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double-boiler. Transfer the melted chocolate to a sealable plastic bag then pipe it across the top of the treats. (Alternately, use a fork to splatter the chocolate across the top.) Allow the chocolate to cool.
- Cut and serve. Use a sharp knife to cut the treats into 12 squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Fresh Marshmallows: Use fresh marshmallows for the recipe. Old or stale marshmallows may not melt properly, resulting in clumps or uneven texture.
- Work Quickly: Once the marshmallow mixture is ready, work quickly to combine it with the Cheerios. As it cools, it becomes harder to spread and mix evenly.
- Grease Your Hands or Spatula: When pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly grease your hands or spatula to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
These marshmallow treats will last up to two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Absolutely! You could use the classic Rice Krispies, any variety of Chex (corn, chocolate, etc.) or even cornflakes to make equally as delicious cereal treats.
Yes! You can fold in any other mix-in, however keep in mind that the mixture will be warm, so chocolate chips may melt.
Find inspiration with more creative twists on classic marshmallow treats.
- Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats
- Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
- Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats
- Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths
- Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispies Treats
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (10-oz.) package marshmallows
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups Cheerios cereal
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Coat a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a large stockpot set over low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the marshmallows and cook, stirring, until the marshmallows have melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the peanut butter then stir in the Cheerios until they are well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing it firmly into an even layer. Allow the treats to cool to room temperature.
- Once the treats are completely cooled, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double-boiler. Transfer the melted chocolate to a sealable plastic bag then pipe it across the top of the treats. (Alternately, use a fork to splatter the chocolate across the top.) Allow the chocolate to cool then use a sharp knife to cut the treats into 12 squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Kelly’s Notes
- Use fresh marshmallows for the recipe. Old or stale marshmallows may not melt properly, resulting in clumps or uneven texture.
- Once the marshmallow mixture is ready, work quickly to combine it with the Cheerios. As it cools, it becomes harder to spread and mix evenly.
- These marshmallow treats will last up to two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Nutrition
Shoutout
Did you try this recipe?
Share it with the world! Mention @justataste or tag #justatasterecipes!
Recipe adapted from Kellogg's Rice Krispies.
Very tasty and so quick to make. I Googled “Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios Bars”, since I had purchased a box of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios. I found your recipe and loved the idea of adding peanut butter.
Love reading this, Doreen! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Love these. Grandkids devoured them. Should have made 2 pans lol
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you and your grandkids enjoyed the recipe, Julie!
Omg my kids love this and it’s so easy!cant wait to try your other recipes!
I’m so glad you and your kids enjoyed the treats, Laura! Welcome to Just a Taste!
I squished mini chips in at the end-in lieu of the choco drizzle-due to the fact that I’m lazy, but these are so easy and tasty and even a bit healthy. The oats and peanut butter make this a more nutritious snack (or in my case, since I couldn’t wait to partake, breakfast) than the traditional rice crispy squares. A new fave!
Yessss! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Mo!
These were very easy to make. They look incredible with the touch of chocolate drizzle. We haven’t eaten them yet but they smell delicious!
Thank you for sharing!
You are so welcome, Teri! Enjoy!
I added peanuts to mine…it’s a delicious snack!
Love that addition, Nancy! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Love the idea of roasted peanuts added.
So delish! I just made them again! And doubled the chocolate for the top (chocoholics in our house, the cook is the worst). Always turns out perfectly soft, and once in the pan, they set up to a nice gooey crunch. Hits the craving mark and I love that there’s a smidge more nutrition than some alternatives.
Love reading this, Sarah! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
so yummy!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
You are a fool if you don’t make this.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Steven!
We have a toddler who I think will love these. Just wondering what the shelf life is for these?
Hi Christina! These marshmallow treats will last up to two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Delicious and easy no fuss recipe that’s almost guaranteed to be a hit. Easy to customize and very simple ingredients!
YESSSS! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Linda!
Omg, these were amazing! I just happened to have some Honey Nut Cheerios no one was eating. I melted mini dark chocolate peanut butter cups instead of chocolate chips and Wow!! My family of 5 really liked them.
YUM! I’m so thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe, Angel!
Is it ok to use salted butter?
Sure!
I hate washing Marshmello out of pans so I cheated and used glass mixing bowl in the microwave. Turned out fantastic! Sent some home for my granddaughter, but found out that my son ate them all! They’re that good!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe, Karen!
I used cinnamon cheerios and added 1 cup M&M’s, Holiday Candies. I liked the flavor and they look festive
YUM, love your additions! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Janice!
Very easy to make and tasted yummy. I will be making these treats again.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Susan!
Wonderful! I’m an adult only household now so didn’t have rice crispies and found your recipe while looking for alternatives. I loved this even more! Esp. the addition of peanut butter! Used the natural creamy type and it worked perfectly, blended well and the vanilla adds a nice sophisticated taste! Thanks!
You are so welcome, Holly Rae! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Loved the recipe, thank you! I had leftover marshmallows from a camping trip, and this was perfect.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Kelsey!
Fantastic ! Easy to make. I improvised with chocolate flavored Cheerios. Which were great with the peanut butter !
Amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Kim!
Can you use natural creamy butter? Apparently the lack of emulsifiers in the natural stuff makes it unusable in many recipes. Thx
Hi Shelley – Natural creamy peanut butter works well in this recipe. Enjoy!
I would like to try this but I have to figure weight watchers points first
Hi Linda – In case you’re interested, here’s a link for all of our recipes with nutrition facts and Weight Watchers SmartPoints: https://www.justataste.com/category/recipes/nutrition-facts/
Amazing recipe! Going to try these cars with multi grain!! They are a weakness in our home! I could just imagine what will happen when I add peanut butter!!!!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Ashley!
Well so much for trying to lose weight. I can’t leave these alone! I used Honey Nut Cheerios, and crunchy peanut butter. Thanks for the great recipe!
Ha! You are so welcome, Suzanne! Thrilled you’re enjoying the recipe :)
These bars were delish! Made them to take camping and they were gone way before the weekend was over. They only thing I did different was add a bit more peanut butter to both the bars and the chocolate drizzle – we’re a bit obsessed with peanut butter in our household!
Will you include calories? Would be more inclined to try the recipes.
Hi Megan – Yes! We are working on providing calories and other nutritional information. Stay tuned!
Great recipes! I can’t wait to try them all! Thanks for sharing just a taste
Kim
Thanks so much, Kim! Welcome to Just a Taste!
Hi Kelly, we have nut allergies in our house, what can we replace the peanut butter with?
Hi Ruth! Any kind of nut butter would work in this recipe. Almond butter would be great!
Rather than a nut butter like peanut or almond I would recommend sunbutter/sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seed butter, or even tahini (sesame seed butter)
What a fun twist on a classic favorite!! And so easy to make. These are too perfect for back to school.
Thank you so much, Julia!
These look sooooo good. Cheerios are my favourite cereal, I can’t believe I’ve never thought to make them into crispy treats or anything, and the addition of peanut butter is beyond wonderful! Thanks for the great idea!
Thanks so much, Kelly! Enjoy! :)