This easy Peanut Butter Cereal Bars Recipe goes perfectly with the rich chocolate topping! These dessert bars are peanut butter chocolate paradise.
Mom’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
I know most people have a variation of cereal bars in their own recipe box, but I get asked for this recipe so often that I felt it was obviously still worth sharing. These are the only Peanut Butter Cereal Bars I’ve ever known, a recipe from Mom. And they’re one of my husband’s favorite homemade treats.
Why I Love These Peanut Butter Bars
The bars are super easy to put together, with a minimum of ingredients. They set up perfectly every time, and are gooey and chewy, with just the right amount of peanut butter and chocolate. Better than any candy bar, guaranteed.
Many people say the chocolate frosting on these bars is the best they’ve ever tasted on peanut butter cereal bars, and they always want to know specifically how I make it.
This is the only deviation I make from Mom’s original recipe, which calls only for melted chocolate chips in the frosting. My secret is that I simply add a bit of peanut butter. And I like to use Guittard semi-sweet chocolate chips…I think they have a deeper darker quality than most semi-sweet chocolate chips.
These peanut butter cereal bars are easy enough to put together, in fact, I made them while we were camping with my parents this past weekend at one of South Dakota’s beautiful state parks. I thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate Blake’s birthday around the campfire. Except that I forgot to bring the chocolate chips. And the party plates and napkins. And the birthday candles. Sheesh!
Mom & I drained our chocolate supply for s’mores and I used Hershey’s bars in lieu of the chocolate chips. The frosting was softer and sweeter, but definitely still delicious.
And because my aunt and uncle were so thoughtful (thanks, Ray & June!), there were even candles and ice cream!
We had such a great weekend camping and catching up with family and friends. There were games of Scrabble played in our pajamas, card games around the outdoor picnic table throughout the day, boating under the big blue sunshiney sky, and plenty of good eating. We baked our favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip in a cast iron skillet over the campfire, and passed around bowls of freshly popped corn. My uncle Elroy makes the best popcorn, shaking the popper over the open flame. It’s buttery, perfectly salted, and has just the right amount of big open starry South Dakota sky.
Do you have a favorite cereal bar recipe that everyone asks you for? If not, give these a try. And when you take them to your next gathering, be sure to have a copy of the recipe with you, because I’m betting you’ll be asked for it.
Mom’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Ingredients
for the peanut butter cereal bars
- 6 c. corn flakes cereal
- 1 c. sugar
- ½ c. unsalted butter
- 1 c. light corn syrup
- 1 c. creamy peanut butter
for the chocolate frosting
- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips I like to use Guittard brand
- ¼ c. creamy peanut butter
Instructions
FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER CEREAL BARS
- Spread cereal evenly in a 9” x 13” pan and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium/medium-high heat, combine sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil. Let boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until silky smooth.
- Pour hot mixture over cereal and gently fold to incorporate evenly. Using a spatula, press down on the coated cereal, firmly but gently, until even. Let cool.
FOR THE CHOCOLATE FROSTING - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat the chocolate as gently as possible, stirring regularly, and taking care to not let the chocolate scorch. When the chips are almost melted, remove pan from heat and stir until completely smooth.
- Pour warm frosting over bars and spread evenly. It’s really hard to not cut out a piece and eat it immediately, but if you let the frosting cool completely, it will set up and cut very nicely.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
You might like these bar recipes, too!
- Peanut Butter Granola Bars from Shugary Sweets
- Peanut Butter Bars from Add a Pinch
- Gooey Chocolate Chip Sandwich Bars from Recipe Girl
- Butterscotch Bars with Chocolate and Disappearing Marshmallows
- Double Chocolate Marshmallow Crispy Bars
- Yum-Yum Bars
This not only looks yummy, but also manageable for a guy to try. :D Wish me luck!
Also great with rice krispies. This recipe is a favorite.
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I’ve made these before, but I’ve always used crunchy peanut butter, as that’s what I always have on hand.
I’m thinking of making these for my weekend trip to my brother’s lake house. Before I start though, can you clarify if the 6 cups of corn flakes are crushed or not? And if I made them ahead of time, do you know if they’d freeze well? Thanks. By the way, your Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars were a HUGE hit with my family (and me)!
Hello Elizabeth! The cereal is not crushed. And I’ve never frozen these bars before, as they disappear very quickly around here! But I think it would work fine. The other thing is…they are so good after being allowed to just set up for a couple hours. I’ve made these while camping before by pre-measuring the ingredients at home and then assembling in the camper. They don’t take a whole lot of effort, if you’re looking for a fresh pan of bars. Best wishes, have fun at the lake, and I hope you like these, too! Thanks for letting me know you liked the rhubarb cream cheese bars!
Thanks, Brenda! It’d be easier for me to make them at home. Maybe I’ll whip them up the morning we’re leaving since they look to be quickies. That’ll eliminate the freezer option. Yum. I know these are going to be a hit. My family are all big peanut butter lovers. I’ll give you the credit!
My mouth is watering! I want one of these!
I’m another Iowa farm girl. We always make these with Rice Krispies and Hershey bar “frosting”. I have no doubt that they are wonderful no matter how you mix them up!
Your mom is the best! And your hubby has great taste. :)
They are both pretty darn great. ;) xo, Amanda!
These look amazing B. I need a sweet treat in front of me. Do you ship? :)
For you, I would definitely consider! ;)
Now, that sounds like a fun-filled Father’s Day weekend with all those yummy treats and card/game playing, and campfire memories! These bars look so good, I will have to make them for a summer cookout very soon. One question, though, what do you use for cutting them so evenly (that doesn’t leave indentations in your baking pan)?
Hello Paula! These bars cut pretty easily. I just used a serrated butter knife, and didn’t press hard into the pan.
Thanks, glad to know they cut easily!
I cannot wait to try these!!
These look awesome. I need something sweet in my life right now! I loved visiting w/ you at BlogHer food. Hope to see ya again soon!
Pretty sure these bars would knock my socks off! I love chocolate and peanut butter and can’t wait to try this!
Moms always know best – these looks amazing! I’m on a serious PB Kick right now. :)
Adding a bit of peanut butter to the chocolate is a great idea! I know that these would go over really big around this household. Your Mom has some awesome recipes, thank you for sharing.
Oh wow! they look soo scrummy. What a great idea for the frosting. sounds so rich and decadent! :)
these look amazing. i love cereal in desserts!