Description of this recipe
Cheerio Bars are a delightful no-bake treat that transforms simple Cheerios cereal into a sweet, crunchy, and satisfying snack. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for a quick dessert, a fun activity with kids, or a last-minute contribution to a potluck. The bars are customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and create a variety of flavor combinations.
Why you will love this recipe
These Cheerio Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring no baking and only a few simple steps. Even novice cooks can easily whip up a batch of these bars.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Cheerios, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla are all common staples.
- No-Bake Wonder: No need to turn on the oven! These bars are perfect for hot days or when you’re short on time.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping to make these bars, from measuring ingredients to stirring and pressing the mixture into the pan. They also enjoy customizing the bars with their favorite toppings.
- Customizable: This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. You can add different types of cereal, chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or sprinkles to create unique flavor combinations.
- Portable and Convenient: Cheerio Bars are easy to pack and transport, making them a great snack for lunchboxes, road trips, or picnics.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses inexpensive ingredients, making it an affordable treat for families and large gatherings.
- Perfect for any Occasion: Whether it is a quick and easy dessert, a fun baking activity for the family, Cheerio Bars are perfect for any occasion.
Introduction
Cheerio Bars are a nostalgic treat that many of us remember from childhood. They’re a simple yet satisfying snack that brings back memories of school bake sales and after-school cravings. This recipe is a modern take on the classic, with a few tweaks and tips to ensure that your bars are perfectly sweet, crunchy, and chewy.
The key to successful Cheerio Bars is to achieve the right balance of sweetness and stickiness. The sugar and corn syrup create a glaze that coats the Cheerios and holds them together, while the butter adds richness and flavor. The vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of warmth.
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, the real fun begins when you start experimenting with different toppings and flavor combinations. Consider adding chocolate chips, M&M’s, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate to elevate your Cheerio Bars to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups Cheerios
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Light Corn Syrup
- ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Sprinkles (optional) – Can be substituted with chocolate chips, M&M’s, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or other desired toppings
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Step 2: Boil the Mixture
Once the mixture is boiling, continue stirring for 1-2 minutes. It’s important to stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning or crystallizing. The sugar may not fully dissolve, and that’s perfectly fine. The goal is to create a smooth, syrupy glaze.
Step 3: Remove from Heat and Add Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the stick of unsalted butter and vanilla extract. The heat from the sugar mixture will melt the butter.
Step 4: Mix Until Smooth
Stir the mixture vigorously until the butter is fully melted and combined with the sugar and corn syrup. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Combine with Cheerios
Place the Cheerios in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot sugar mixture over the Cheerios. Gently mix and fold the Cheerios into the sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the Cheerios.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish
Prepare an 8×8 inch square baking dish (or similar size) by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 7: Press into the Baking Dish
Transfer the coated Cheerios to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the Cheerios firmly and evenly into the dish.
Step 8: Add Toppings (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle your favorite toppings over the top of the Cheerio Bars. Sprinkles, chocolate chips, M&M’s, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts all work well. Gently press the toppings into the Cheerios to help them adhere.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Allow the Cheerio Bars to cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until they are firm enough to cut. Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Cheerio Bars as a sweet snack or dessert.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a kid-friendly treat.
- Bring them to potlucks, picnics, or parties.
- Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
- Serve alongside other desserts such as brownies, cupcakes, or cookies.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Sugar Mixture: Overcooking the sugar mixture can result in hard, brittle bars. Cook just until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Use Fresh Cheerios: Stale Cheerios will result in bars that are less crunchy and flavorful.
- Press Firmly: Pressing the Cheerios firmly into the baking dish will help them stick together and create a cohesive bar.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to prevent them from crumbling.
- Store Properly: Store Cheerio Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Add a pinch of salt a pinch of salt enhances sweetness.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes + 30 minutes cooling time
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 150 per bar
- Protein: 1 gram per bar
- Sodium: 50 milligrams per bar
Conclusion
Cheerio Bars are a classic treat that is easy to make, customizable, and sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a sweet and satisfying snack that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a fun activity with kids, or a nostalgic treat from your childhood, Cheerio Bars are a winning choice. So, gather your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and enjoy the simple pleasure of these delicious bars.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cereal besides Cheerios?
A1: Absolutely! While Cheerios are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cereals such as Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, or even a mixture of different cereals. Keep in mind that different cereals may have slightly different textures and flavors, so adjust the recipe accordingly. For example, Rice Krispies will create a lighter, airier bar, while Corn Flakes will create a more textured bar.
Q2: Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
A2: Yes, you can substitute honey for corn syrup, but it will alter the flavor and texture of the bars. Honey has a stronger flavor than corn syrup and will create a slightly chewier bar. You may also need to adjust the amount of sugar, as honey is sweeter than corn syrup. Start by using slightly less sugar and taste the mixture as it cooks to see if you need to add more.
Q3: How can I make these bars vegan?
A3: To make these bars vegan, you’ll need to substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative. Look for a vegan butter that is specifically designed for baking, as some vegan butters can have a high water content and may not melt properly. You can also use coconut oil, but keep in mind that it will impart a coconut flavor to the bars. In some recipes, some vegans use agave instead of corn syrup.
Q4: My Cheerio Bars are too hard. What did I do wrong?
A4: The most likely cause of hard Cheerio Bars is overcooking the sugar mixture. When the sugar mixture is cooked for too long, it can crystallize and become hard. Be sure to cook the mixture only until the sugar is dissolved and it comes to a gentle boil. Another possible cause is using too much sugar or corn syrup. Follow the recipe measurements carefully. If the bars are still too hard, you can try microwaving them for a few seconds to soften them up.
Q5: How can I prevent my Cheerio Bars from sticking to the baking dish?
A5: To prevent the bars from sticking, make sure to thoroughly grease your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. If you’re using parchment paper, you can still grease the paper to ensure that the bars come out cleanly. Another trick is to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This will help them to firm up and release from the dish more easily.
