Looking for Cheerios recipes? Try these delicious fruit and nut bars this summer. Made with almonds, dried gooseberries and crispy Cheerios, these no‑bake bars are quick to make and perfect as a grab‑and‑go snack for kids.
Healthy Cheerio bars
These fruit and nut bars are a real lifesaver on busy mornings. Between getting the kids ready for school, dealing with morning grumpiness and trying to get out the door, there’s rarely time for a proper breakfast. But skipping breakfast leaves me drained and unfocused by midmorning, so I need something quick, nutritious and portable. These almond and Cheerios bars are my go‑to when time is tight.
They combine crunchy Cheerios with dried fruit, nuts and seeds for energy and texture. You can customize the dried fruit and nuts to suit your pantry — keep in mind substitutions will change the flavor and appearance. I like adding a touch of honey and brown sugar for extra binding and sweetness, but if your dried fruit is sweet enough you can omit them.
Peanut butter helps bind the mixture so the bars hold together and slice neatly. These no‑bake bars are versatile: serve them for breakfast, as an afternoon pick‑me‑up or a pre‑workout snack.
Want more breakfast ideas?
- Blueberry buttermilk cake
- Lemon raspberry breakfast cake
- Banana cinnamon croissants
- Strawberry cream cheese puff pastry braid
- Simple cinnamon puff pastry rolls
Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for up to two months. Pair a bar with coffee or tea, or with a glass of milk for the kids, and you’ll be ready for a busy day.
More bars recipes you might like:
- No bake s’mores treats
- Macaroni & cheese pudding bars
- Caramel popcorn pretzel bars
- Rice pudding pumpkin bars
- Popcorn pretzel M&M’s bars
Fruit and nut bars
For these no‑bake bars I use a base of Cheerios (ancient grains and original), mixed with dried gooseberries and cherries, whole almonds and pumpkin seeds. Dried fruit and nuts can be swapped to taste, but expect a different texture and flavor if you substitute.
I heat honey and brown sugar until bubbling, then blend in peanut butter and a little vanilla to make a smooth, sticky binder. Pour that over the cereal and fruit mix, fold gently so the Cheerios stay intact, press into a lined pan and chill until firm. Once set, slice into bars and store chilled.
These healthy Cheerio bars are quick to make (about 10 minutes active time) and very kid‑friendly. They keep well and travel easily in lunchboxes or snack bags.
Fruit and nut bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cheerios Ancient Grains
- 3 cups Cheerios Original
- 1/2 cup dried gooseberries
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup almonds whole
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds raw
- 1/2 cup honey raw
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- silicone spatula
- medium nonstick saucepan
- baking sheet
- baking paper
Instructions
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Line a rimmed 12 x 16 inch baking sheet with wax paper or baking paper and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the Cheerios, dried cherries, gooseberries, almonds and pumpkin seeds.
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In a medium saucepan, combine honey and brown sugar over medium heat.
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Stir with a silicone spatula until the mixture reaches a full rolling boil.
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Lower the heat and continue boiling for one minute, stirring constantly.
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Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and lump‑free.
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Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Cheerios mixture and gently fold until evenly coated, being careful not to crush the cereal.
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Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press down evenly with the spatula.
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Cover with another sheet of wax paper and use a small rolling pin or the bottom of a pan to press the layer compact.
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Refrigerate until firm for at least two hours, or chill in the freezer for about 40 minutes, then cut into bars.
Notes
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