Indulge in Homemade Bliss: The Ultimate Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cereal Bars Recipe

Forget the mundane breakfast bowl; it’s time to transform your favorite cereal into an extraordinary, irresistible treat! These Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are a delightful fusion of classic flavors and textures, offering a perfect no-bake solution for snacks, desserts, or any time you crave something sweet, crunchy, and utterly satisfying. Imagine the comforting crunch of cereal enveloped in a rich, buttery peanut butter mixture, all crowned with a luscious layer of melted chocolate. Why limit cereal to just the morning when it can be the star of an amazing, easy-to-make bar?

A Nod to Classic Cereal Treats: From Krispies to Pralines

The world of no-bake treats owes a great deal to the humble cereal bar. Who hasn’t experienced the simple joy of classic Rice Krispie Treats? With just a few ingredients – a bag of fluffy marshmallows, a stick of butter, and cups of crispy rice cereal – you can whip up a batch of chewy, sweet squares that bring instant smiles. These versatile treats aren’t just for eating; they’re famous for their ability to be molded and shaped, serving as the hidden structure beneath elaborate cake decorations or whimsical edible sculptures. That impressive tower or fierce dinosaur on a birthday cake? It just might be the magic of “snap, crackle, and pop” cleverly disguised.

Beyond the beloved Rice Krispies, another cherished cereal concoction that holds a special place in many hearts is the peanut butter corn flake praline. This Southern-inspired delight shares a similar no-bake philosophy, combining sugar, corn syrup, and rich peanut butter with crunchy corn flakes. The result is a wonderfully sweet and salty confection, reminiscent of caramel and nuts, but with that unmistakable peanut buttery twist. These classics demonstrate the incredible potential of cereal as a foundation for quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious confections.

Finding Inspiration: Elevating the Cereal Bar Game

My culinary journey to perfect these Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cereal Bars took a delightful turn a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon a post by Ann over at Sumptuous Spoonfuls, featuring her fantastic Special K Bars.

As a devoted fan of Special K – seriously, it’s *my* cereal, and the kids know better than to touch my box! – I immediately felt compelled to investigate. Ann’s recipe was fundamentally similar to the one I already used for peanut butter cereal bars. However, she had a brilliant addition: chocolate and butterscotch chips! It was a moment of pure revelation. Why hadn’t I thought of incorporating chips into the topping myself? This simple enhancement elevated the concept to a whole new level of indulgence.

Inspired and eager, I called my daughters into the kitchen. “We have to make this now!” I declared. We decided to stick with our trusted base recipe, which features a slightly higher sugar content for that extra touch of sweetness. As the sugar and corn syrup gently melted on the stove, a flash of inspiration struck me. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted our container of dry roasted peanuts. Adding these to the mixture would introduce a wonderful touch of saltiness and an extra layer of satisfying crunch, perfectly complementing the smooth peanut butter and sweet cereal.

A (Playful) Look at “Healthy” Indulgence

Now, let’s take a quick, tongue-in-cheek moment to review the “nutritional value” of these delightful bars. They’re made with cereal, which typically boasts at least eight essential vitamins and minerals. Peanut butter brings a good dose of protein to the table. And those dry roasted peanuts? Even more protein and healthy fats! Considering all that, I might just be able to get away with calling these a “healthy” snack, right? Probably not in the strictest sense, but a girl can dream – and try!

In all seriousness, while these bars are undeniably a treat, they offer a comforting, homemade alternative to processed snacks, allowing you to control the ingredients. They’re packed with flavor and provide a satisfying boost of energy, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-dinner indulgence. Plus, the act of making them is a fun, rewarding experience for the whole family.

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• For the Cereal Base: (a total of 7 cups of dry ingredients)
• 6 cups flake cereal (Special K or your favorite)
• 1 cup dry roasted peanuts (chopped, optional, or use M&Ms for a fun twist)
• For the Chocolate Topping:
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cereal: Place your chosen cereal in a very large mixing bowl, ensuring it’s spacious enough for thorough mixing.
2. Boil Sugar and Corn Syrup: In a medium saucepan on the stove, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, remove it immediately from the heat to prevent burning.
3. Combine Peanut Butter and Cereal: Stir in the peanut butter until it is completely melted and smoothly blended into the hot sugar mixture. Pour this warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large mixing bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold to coat all the cereal evenly without crushing it too much. Now, add the dry roasted peanuts (or M&Ms if you’re using them) and fold a few more times to distribute them throughout the cereal mixture.
4. Press and Cool the Bars: Firmly and evenly spread the cereal mixture into a buttered 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Press down gently to ensure a compact base. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for achieving clean cuts.
5. Add Chocolate Topping and Cut: In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with the butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Spread this melted chocolate evenly over the cooled cereal bars. Let the chocolate topping set completely (this can be sped up in the refrigerator) before cutting the slab into individual bars with a sharp knife.

Notes

Cereal Choice: Any flake cereal will work beautifully with this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite such as Special K, Corn Flakes, Total, or even a mix for varied textures and flavors. Just ensure they are not too delicate to hold up to the mixing.

Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness, especially in warmer climates. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Customization: Don’t be afraid to experiment! You can add mini chocolate chips or butterscotch chips directly into the cereal mixture before pressing it into the pan. A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate can also enhance the flavors.

Recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

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These bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to the joy of simple, delicious homemade treats. Special thanks go out to Mrs. Phyllis at church for introducing us to the wonderful world of Corn Flake Pralines many years ago, and to Ann over at Sumptuous Spoonfuls for inspiring us to truly think “outside of the box” and elevate our cereal bar game. Their contributions helped shape this truly irresistible recipe!

Craving More Delicious Bar Recipes?

If you’ve fallen in love with these peanut butter cereal bars, you’re in for a treat! We have a fantastic collection of other easy-to-make, utterly satisfying bar recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From fruity delights to rich chocolate concoctions, there’s a bar here for everyone.