Peanut Butter Corn Flake Bars

Peanut butter Corn Flake Bars are a 15-minute no-bake bar made from corn flakes, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, peanut butter, sweet chocolate chips and marshmallows.

 

These easy no bake bars are the perfect solution for breakfast or a quick snack. They don’t require refrigeration so they are also ideal for potlucks, school snacks, bake sales, parties and BBQs.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Bars

Why wouldn’t you just looking at the description, but let’s dig a little further. It’s not wonder why it tops the list of no bake recipes in my recipe box.

• Easy- You will need a quick trip to the stove or microwave, but otherwise, these bars don’t require any cooking. What else can you ask for in a no bake dessert?
• Tasty– Sweet, a tad tart, chewy, and savory- peanut butter bars have it all going on.
• Convenience– They don’t require any special equipment, store easily and travel well.

What You’ll Need

These simple ingredients are generally pantry staples. The mix-ins are easily customizable for this easy treat.

• Butter– I do use salted butter for this recipe instead of adding more butter. Since none of the other ingredients are particularly high in salt, it doesn’t warrant them same concern for controlling levels yourself.
• Marshmallows – minis melt at a more even pace, but really any size is fine as long as you have the correct volume.
• Peanut butter- My personal preference is a creamy peanut butter, but feel free to use crunchy peanut butter too. I do not recommend using natural peanut butters. The oil ratios aren’t the same and tend to separate, making it not ideal for this type of recipe.
• Corn Flakes cereal- Or another generic brand.
• Dried cranberries– Or any other dried fruit like raisins, currants or cherries. Even figs will taste great!
• Slivered almonds– I found that the shape and size of slivered or sliced almonds provided the best ratio, but really any nut can work. If using walnuts, peanuts or pecans, chop them into smaller pieces.
• Mini chocolate chips- Regular size also work. For a fun variation, grab butterscotch, peanut butter, dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.

Some folks also like to use granola or a granola blend instead of the listed berries, nuts and chocolate chips or add a touch of maple syrup or agave nectar to the peanut butter mixture.

Can I Use a Different Cereal?

Sure! This delicious treat is also great with:

• Cherrios
• Rice Krispies
• Wheaties
• Raisin Bran
• Special K

How to Make Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars

Whip these chewy bars up in just minutes!

1. Depending on how thick you want your bars and also how many you want to make, use a 9×13, 5×7 or 8×8 baking dish. Coat it with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Heat the butter, peanut butter and marshmallows in a medium or large saucepan over medium heat on the stove top, stirring continually with a wooden spoon until fully melted and creamy. Remove from the heat. You can also make this mixture in a microwave safe bowl, heating at 30 second intervals.

3. Fold in the corn flakes, dried cranberries and slivered almonds carefully so they don’t all break apart.
4. Turn the mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the peanut butter mixture. Flatten using the back of your spoon or place a piece of wax or parchment paper over the bars and do this with your hands (to protect against sticking, the heat and also keeping your hands clean).

5. Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting into bars for your whole family to enjoy.

Why Use a Wooden Spoon for Cooking

Wooden spoons will not scratch or ding your pots and pans like metal utensils. They will also not get hot like metal or melt like silicone, so in a recipe that requires continual stirring over heat, that is important. Lastly, sticky mixtures don’t stick as much. They are also cheap!

Questions You Might Have

Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing

Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?

You sure can! I would say to prepare them up to 2 days in advance of when you plan to serve. As with any bar, they will start to dry out the longer they sit.

How Do You Store Peanut Butter Cereal Bars?

Store this tasty treat in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature. Bars are best enjoyed as close to preparing as possible, but will be tasty for up to a week.

Can you Freeze Bars?

These bars can be frozen if wrapped individually in aluminum foil or freezer paper and then placed in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature until fully defrosted.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

• Homemade Vanilla Custard
• Cookie Butter
• Epic Root Beer Float