Peanut butter cereal bars are a beloved snack for kids and adults alike. This quick, no-bake version is incredibly tasty and far better than most processed, packaged bars. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal hands-on time, these Peanut Butter Chex Bars are perfect for busy afternoons, school lunches, or a fun kitchen project with the kids.
These bars combine crunchy Corn Chex cereal, salty mini pretzels, melty marshmallows and creamy peanut butter, finished with a sprinkle of M&Ms and a chocolate drizzle. Because there’s no baking, the recipe is fast and forgiving — a great entry-level no-bake treat to make at home.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 10 minutes of hands-on time.
- No-Bake: Melt, mix, press and cool — no oven needed.
- Kid-Friendly: Colorful and fun to make with children.
- Flexible: Swap candies or chips to suit your taste.
- Portable: Great for parties, snacks, or packable lunches.
What You Need to Make Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 1 package)
- 6 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini pretzels, crushed
- ½ cup M&Ms
- ½ cup chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or pot
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier removal)
How to Make Peanut Butter Chex Bars – Step by Step
- Melt: In a large non-stick skillet or pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the peanut butter and mini marshmallows and stir until everything is melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Mix: Add the Corn Chex and crushed mini pretzels to the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the cereal and pretzels are evenly coated.
- Spread: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment if desired. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan, then sprinkle the M&Ms over the top. Press the mixture firmly into the pan so it sets into an even layer.
- Cool & Finish: Let the bars cool completely to set, then cut into 12 bars. Drizzle melted chocolate chips over each bar and allow the chocolate to harden before serving.
Common Questions About Snack Bars
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Yes. Sunflower butter or soy butter can be used as a 1:1 replacement for peanut butter if you need a nut-free option.
Absolutely. The recipe scales easily—just adjust ingredient amounts to match the desired yield.
Yes. Wrap individual bars in wax or parchment paper and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Making Bars
- Change the candy: Swap M&Ms for Reese’s Pieces, chopped candy bars, or sprinkles for a different flavor and texture.
- Gluten-free option: Corn Chex are gluten free. Choose certified gluten-free pretzels if needed.
- Pressing tip: Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray or use a sheet of parchment paper to press the mixture evenly into the pan without sticking.
- Chocolate options: Use peanut butter chips, butterscotch, caramel chips, or white chocolate for the drizzle to complement the peanut butter flavor.
- Alternate methods: If you prefer, you can melt the butter, peanut butter and marshmallows in a slow cooker set on low or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals until smooth.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 349 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 16 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)
- Sodium: 333 mg
- Sugar: 26 g
The nutritional information are estimates. Verify with your trusted resources if you require precise dietary information.
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