This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Contents

Irresistibly Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with Multi Grain Cheerios

Discover the ultimate easy-to-make treat: delightful chewy peanut butter bars crafted with wholesome Multi Grain Cheerios, crowned with a rich, velvety chocolate peanut butter ganache. These no-bake wonders are perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth!

The Quest for the Perfect Easy Snack Bar

Life can be incredibly hectic, and as busy individuals, we’re always on the lookout for recipes that simplify our days without sacrificing flavor. There’s a constant demand for treats that are quick to prepare, travel well, and appeal to everyone from picky eaters to sophisticated palates. Whether it’s for tucking into school lunchboxes, providing a much-needed energy boost after school, delightful bites for a lively sleepover, or a dependable dish for a community gathering, a reliable, easy-to-make bar recipe is a true kitchen hero. These aren’t just any bars; they are the kind that become an instant staple, offering convenience and pure deliciousness. My continuous search for such culinary gems has led me to this fantastic recipe for Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, a creation that perfectly balances ease of preparation with an explosion of beloved flavors. These bars are guaranteed to be a hit, no matter the occasion.

Empowering Schools with Box Tops for Education: A Sweet Partnership with General Mills & Walmart

Beyond the joy of baking, I’m deeply committed to supporting educational initiatives in our community. One of my favorite ways to contribute is through the invaluable Box Tops for Education program. Recently, I embarked on a major shopping trip at Walmart, stocking up on a wide array of General Mills products that are staples in our household. This particular season is fantastic for Box Tops enthusiasts, as many select items offer bonus Box Tops – often providing five times the usual value per box! This is an incredible opportunity to significantly boost your school’s earnings and make an even greater impact.

The Simplicity and Strength of Box Tops

Box Tops for Education stands as one of America’s largest and most effective school earnings loyalty programs, with over 80,000 K-8 schools actively participating. Its brilliance lies in its sheer simplicity: each Box Top you diligently clip from participating product packages contributes $0.10 directly to your child’s school. While a single dime might seem modest, these small contributions collectively accumulate into substantial funds, providing essential resources that schools often struggle to acquire due to budget constraints. The program transforms everyday grocery purchases into meaningful support for education, making it an easy and impactful way for families to give back.

How Your Box Tops Transform Schools

The beauty of the Box Tops program extends to its accessibility; it’s effortlessly integrated into your routine. Simply clip them throughout the year and send them to school, encouraging friends, family, and neighbors to join in this communal effort. The funds generated are incredibly versatile, allowing schools to address their specific needs. For instance, my children’s school primarily utilizes the money received from Box Tops for Education™ to purchase new P.E. equipment, ensuring that students have modern tools for physical activity and healthy development. They also invest in upgrading our computer lab, providing access to essential technology skills for the digital age. From art supplies and library books to field trips and classroom enhancements, Box Tops empower schools to enrich the educational experience, fostering a better learning environment for every student. By choosing General Mills products at Walmart, you’re not just buying groceries; you’re investing in a brighter future for countless students in your community.

From Pantry Staple to Decadent Delight: The Inspiration Behind the Bars

With a well-stocked pantry full of General Mills cereals, particularly the wholesome and versatile Multi Grain Cheerios, I felt a surge of culinary inspiration this past weekend. Cereal, often relegated solely to breakfast bowls, possesses a fantastic textural quality that makes it an excellent base for no-bake desserts and snack bars. My aim was to elevate these simple O’s into something truly special – a treat that would be both satisfyingly sweet and incredibly straightforward to prepare. The vision for a chewy, rich peanut butter base, studded with the subtle crunch of cereal and crowned with a luscious chocolate ganache, began to take shape. It was an exciting kitchen experiment, driven by the desire to create a new family favorite that also smartly utilized some of those Box Tops-eligible General Mills products. The goal was to prove that everyday pantry items could be transformed into an extraordinary, crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone would adore.

A Culinary Triumph: Capturing the Essence of a Chocolate-Covered Payday Bar

I’m thrilled to report that my kitchen experiment was an undeniable triumph! These Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars far surpassed my highest expectations. The best way to describe their exquisite taste and texture? Imagine a homemade, elevated version of a chocolate-covered Payday bar – but even more delightful, thanks to their irresistible chewiness and deeply satisfying peanut butter flavor. The harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and wonderfully varied textures creates a truly addictive experience that is incredibly hard to resist. It’s a universally acknowledged truth that peanut butter and chocolate form an unparalleled partnership, and this recipe perfectly celebrates that timeless culinary duo, bringing their best qualities to the forefront.

The remarkable versatility of these bars is one of their most appealing features. I had the pleasure of sharing them with neighbors who were in the midst of a move, offering a comforting and delicious gesture during a busy time. I also lovingly packed a batch for my son to take back to college, knowing he’d appreciate a taste of home. The remaining bars quickly became a cherished snack, enjoyed throughout the week right here at home. While I opted for generous, photogenic slices, these bars are equally fantastic when cut into smaller, bite-sized portions, reminiscent of rich fudge squares. Their compact size makes them ideal “pop-in-your-mouth” treats, perfect for satisfying a quick craving, adding to a festive dessert platter, or serving at an elegant gathering. I’ve already earmarked them for my holiday trays this year – they are guaranteed to be a sensational crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter!

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Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars stacked on a napkin, showcasing their layers

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Print Recipe

Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

These incredibly chewy peanut butter bars, made with wholesome Multi Grain Cheerios, are generously topped with a rich, smooth chocolate peanut butter ganache. An effortless no-bake dessert or snack that’s perfect for any occasion and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
5 minutes

Chill Time
1 hour

Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes

Cuisine:
American, Dessert, Snack

Keywords:
Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, No-Bake Cereal Bars, Multi Grain Cheerios Recipe, Peanut Butter Ganache, Easy Snacks, Kid-Friendly Dessert

Yields:
9 generous bars (from a 9×13 baking dish)

Calories:
373kcal

Author:
Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

For the Chewy Cereal Bars:

1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
7 cups Multi Grain Cheerios cereal

For the Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache:

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup creamy peanut butter (for ganache)

Instructions

Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure the bottom and sides are thoroughly coated to prevent the sticky bar mixture from adhering. Set the prepared dish aside.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the brown sugar and light corn syrup. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is smooth and begins to simmer gently. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the ¾ cup of creamy peanut butter to the hot sugar mixture. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter is fully melted and smoothly incorporated, creating a rich, uniform base.
Pour the 7 cups of Multi Grain Cheerios cereal into the peanut butter mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the sticky peanut butter mixture.
Transfer the coated cereal mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Using a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper, firmly and evenly press the mixture into the dish. Pressing it down well ensures the bars hold together beautifully.
Allow the cereal bar base to cool completely at room temperature, which will take about an hour, or expedite the process by placing it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This ensures a stable base for the ganache.
**Prepare the Ganache:** In a clean saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, glossy, and uniform. Ensure the heat is low to prevent scorching. Remove from heat once smooth.
Whisk in the remaining ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into the warm chocolate and cream mixture until thoroughly combined and perfectly smooth. This step creates a rich, luxurious chocolate peanut butter ganache that will be the crowning glory of your bars.
Pour the warm ganache evenly over the cooled cereal bars, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface right to the edges of the pan.
Let the bars stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or place them in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, to allow the ganache to firm up and set completely before slicing.
Once the ganache is set, cut the bars into your desired sizes using a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges. Serve and enjoy these delightful chewy chocolate peanut butter treats!

Notes for Success

**Pro Tip for Pressing:** The cereal mixture is quite sticky! For easy and even pressing into the baking dish, lay a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper directly over the mixture. Then, use your hands or another flat object (like the bottom of a glass) to press down firmly and evenly. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and ensures a compact base.
**Storage Suggestions:** Store any leftover Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their chewiness. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. If freezing, separate layers with parchment paper.
**Flavor Variations:** Don’t hesitate to experiment! You could try this recipe with other General Mills cereals like Honey Nut Cheerios for a sweeter twist or even Rice Chex for a slightly different texture. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the wet ganache before it sets can also add a delightful sweet and salty contrast.

Nutrition Information

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference: Collect Bonus Box Tops Today!

Now is the perfect moment to visit Walmart and stock up on your family’s most-loved General Mills products, especially those offering bonus Box Tops for Education! It’s a wonderfully simple action that provides profound benefits for schools, helping them acquire essential resources and cultivate a more enriching learning environment for students. As you savor each delightful bite of these irresistible Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, remember that every Box Top you collect is a direct contribution to a vital cause. What exciting new programs or equipment will your local school be able to fund with the collective support of Box Tops this year? Your participation truly counts!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.