Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Cheerio Bars (vegan, gluten-free, oil-free)
These peanut butter chocolate protein cheerio bars are the perfect snacking bars that brings back all of your childhood memories. Cheerios is kind of nostalgic to me and the typical kid food that you just love as an adult too. Do you remember eating a delicious bowl of cheerios when you were younger, or even as an adult?! Now there are so many different flavors of cheerios and these bars remind me of the peanut butter chocolate cheerios or Reese’s Puffs you can buy at the store, only healthier.
My kids LOVE cheerios…just the plain ones to be exact haha. They only eat them dry and won’t even try it with some almond milk. Anyways, we always have cheerios in our pantry and these bars come together so fast!
I wanted to make a bar that is not only delicious but filling. I used my favorite vanilla protein powder by Nuzest (use code “NUTSABOUTGREENS15” for 15% off!) to add extra protein to make sure these bars are filling. You can use whatever kind of protein powder you want, but I prefer Nuzest, or you can even leave it out if you don’t have any. Also, the chocolate drizzle just make these cheerio bars perfection.
A kid friendly and approved snack that is yummy for all ages! It can make for a quick grab and go breakfast, dessert, or post workout snack. It only takes FIVE ingredients (not counting salt) and you can whip it up in no time! Say goodbye to those store bought, sugar packed cereal bars and make your own today!
If you make these peanut butter chocolate protein cheerio bars, tag me @nutsaboutgreens on Instagram so I can see your creations!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Cheerio Bars (vegan, gluten-free)
Ingredients
- 4 cups plain Cheerios
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup natural/drippy peanut butter
- 1/4 salt salt
- 1 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (I used Nuzest use code 'NUTSABOUTGREENS15' for 15% off)
- 1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Put the cheerios in a large bowl. In a small pot, add the maple syrup and peanut butter. Heat over medium low heat and stir with a spatula continuously until nice and smooth. Remove from heat and add the salt and protein powder. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Pour mixture over the cheerios and stir until everything is well combined and evenly coated. Press the cheerios into a 9×9 pan (I lined mine with parchment paper). Make sure it is firmly packed in.
- Melt the chocolate in 30 second increments in the microwave until melted and smooth. Make sure you stir the chocolate after each increment. I only microwaved mine for 1 minute total. Drizzle onto bars. Place in the freezer for 45-60 minutes to set. Slice and enjoy! Store in the freezer. You can eat these directly from the freezer. They don’t get super hard.
