Caramel Honey Nut Cheerios Squares

These Caramel Honey Nut Cheerios Squares are crunchy and chewy, and filled with all kinds of simple wonderful flavors. And they’re so easy to make!

This time of year is both a blessing and a curse for me when it comes to how I spend my time in the kitchen. I want to bake all the wonderful recipes I grew up making with Mom and my sisters when I was a kid. I’m nostalgic; you know that. But…I also can’t pull away from the urge to create something new. To gather together ingredients that I know my family loves and add a few fun twists to our annual holiday sweets platter.

Please say hello to my latest pan of deliciousness to come out of our kitchen. Caramel Honey Nut Cheerios Squares, a twist on a favorite recipe from Mom. They’re crunchy and chewy and taste completely wonderful!

At the base is a simple layer of graham crackers. How easy is that?!

Then marshmallows are sprinkled over the graham crackers.

I {heart} marshmallow.

And a simple buttery caramel, with lovely cinnamon and almond flavorings, is stirred together on the stove top and then drizzled over the graham crackers and marshmallows. This caramel, along with the marshmallow, is the glue. The amazingly delicious binder that holds these squares together.

While the caramel is still warm, sliced almonds and Honey Nut Cheerios are sprinkled over the top. Followed by more marshmallows, of course. I love how they puff up and brown so beautifully in the oven. They tempt me in the very best way!

Once the pan has cooled, it’s a snap to cut this treat into squares. I use a pizza cutter wheel.

When Cheerios asked me to create a fun new recipe for the holidays, powered by oats, I jumped at the opportunity. Because our pantry is never without at least a couple different boxes of Cheerios. Specifically Honey Nut Cheerios. This particular box of cereal and a straightforward bowl of warm oatmeal are the #1 breakfast requests from our youngest daughter. And I have to agree with her choices. Whole grain oats are a delicious way to give energy to any day.

Whole grain oats are rich in soluble fiber, and one of the most healthy grains. Cheerios offers six delicious flavors with oats as the first ingredient .

To see how Cheerios are made, from oats growing in the field to O’s in your breakfast bowl, watch this short video.

There is so much greatness going on in these squares, yet they are so very simple to make. I love the nutty flavor and crunchy texture that the Honey Nut Cheerios add to the chewy caramel squares. I also love the aroma that fills the house when they’re baking in the oven. Warm and nutty, caramel heaven!

These Caramel Honey Nut Cheerios Squares are perfect for the holidays, or any time of year. They’ve been a big hit with my family.

Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Caramel Honey Nut Cheerios Squares

Yield: about 40 squares

Cook Time:15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 14 graham cracker rectangles
• 3 c. mini marshmallows, divided
• 3/4 c. unsalted butter, chopped
• 3/4 c. packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. pure almond extract
• 1 c. sliced almonds
• 1 c. Honey Nut Cheerios^®

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line an 11″ x 17″ pan with parchment paper.

Arrange graham crackers in a single layer on the parchment paper in the pan. Sprinkle with 2 cups of the marshmallows.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and almond extract. Drizzle mixture over the graham crackers, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with almonds, Honey Nut Cheerios, and remaining 1 cup of marshmallows.

Bake in oven for about 15 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 2″ squares. A pizza cutter wheel works great for this.

These squares freeze well. Store in an airtight container, with layers separated by wax paper or parchment paper.

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