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I love Rice Krispy Treats, but sometimes I’m looking for something a bit less sweet with a bit more crunch – and these Cheerio Treats hit the spot!
I used to make chewy, crunchy Cheerio bars for my kids all the time when they were little, it is one of our favorite easy no bake desserts, packed with Cheerio flavor everyone loves. This recipe is so simple, anyone in your family can help make it.
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of contents
How To Make Cheerio Treats
Cheerio Krispy Treat Ingredients
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Salted butter (½ cup) – The salted butter adds richness and a hint of savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the treats.
- Mini marshmallows (10 cups) – Mini marshmallows melt down to form the gooey, sticky base that holds everything together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Honey nut cheerios (9 cups) – These lightly sweetened, crunchy cereal rings provide the perfect texture and nutty flavor.
- Sprinkles (¼ cup, optional) – Sprinkles add a pop of color and a fun, festive touch to the finished treats.
Cheerio Treats Method:
Prep & Melt
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Stir to Melt.
In a large pot, melt the butter and 8 cups of marshmallows over medium heat until smooth.
Mix.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, Cheerios, and remaining marshmallows until fully coated.
Add to Pan.
Transfer to the prepared baking pan and gently press the mixture into the pan.
Add Sprinkles & Set.
If adding sprinkles, do it before treats set.
Tips and Tricks for No Bake Honey Nut Cheerio Treats
Prevent Sticky Treats – If it’s really humid, the treats might remain sticky. I recommend spraying the parchment paper with nonstick spray and letting the treats set in the fridge instead of on the counter. Coat hands with nonstick spray to prevent the mixture from sticking when you press it into the pan.
Prevent Tough, Hard Treats – It’s important to heat the butter and marshmallows over low or medium heat because heating it over high heat can cause hard treats.
What Cheerios to Use – Use any flavor of Cheerios you’d like and customize them by adding sprinkles or drizzling or dipping in chocolate.
FAQs
Nonstick Pan – a good nonstick pan helps to keep your marshmallows from turning into a cleanup nightmare.
Mixing Spoon – a large, steady spoon (nonstick a plus!) is a must for this recipe.
Parchment Paper – mandatory if you want easy to release cheerios bars.
Baking dish – high walled dishes best for these treats.
If you make a big batch of these cheerio cereal bars and want them too last as long as possible, please keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
These treats will before softer by the day, its best to eat leftover cereal bars within one week.
Other Delicious Desserts You’ll Love
If you’re craving something sweet and delicious, that is easy to make, simple – and doesn’t require a bunch of extra ingredients or special tools, you’re going to LOVE this easy dessert like these cheerio bars!
For our complete dessert recipe archives, please click here.
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Easy No Bake Cheerios Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 10 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 9 cups honey nut cheerios, or other cheerio flavor
- ¼ cup sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter and 8 cups of marshmallows over medium heat until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, Cheerios, and remaining marshmallows until fully coated.
- Transfer to the prepared baking pan and gently press the mixture into the pan. Spread sprinkles atop the cheerio bars, if using.
- Cool at room temperature for 1 hour before cutting.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made these! Absofrickenlutely fantastic. Added chocolate chips, Craisins and chopped mixed nuts. Absolutely a go to snack from now on
Can you use unsalted butter?
Of course! The flavor will change slightly, so you’ll want to add a pinch of salt back in to the recipe.
What about unsalted butter and no sprinkles?
The salted butter melts in the pan before you add the marshmallows. The sprinkles go on top of the cheerio treats. I have updated the recipe to make it clearer. Thank you!
I made this and we all love it.