We love Rice Krispy Treats, but sometimes we're looking for something a bit less sweet with a bit more crunch – and these Cheerio Treats hit the spot!

We used to make chewy, crunchy Cheerio bars for our kids all the time when they were little, it is one of our favorite easy no bake desserts, packed with Cheerio flavor everyone loves. This recipe is so simple, anyone in your family can help make it.

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How To Make Cheerio Treats

Cheerio Krispy Treat Ingredients

First assemble the following ingredients:

Salted butter (½ cup) – The salted butter adds richness and a hint of savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the treats.
Mini marshmallows (10 cups) – Mini marshmallows melt down to form the gooey, sticky base that holds everything together.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
Honey nut cheerios (9 cups) – These lightly sweetened, crunchy cereal rings provide the solid texture and nutty flavor.
Sprinkles (¼ cup, optional) – Sprinkles add a pop of color and a fun, festive touch to the finished treats.

Cheerio Treats Method:

Prep & Melt

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Stir to Melt.

In a large pot, melt the butter and 8 cups of marshmallows over medium heat until smooth.

Mix.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, Cheerios, and remaining marshmallows until fully coated.

Add to Pan.

Transfer to the prepared baking pan and gently press the mixture into the pan.

Add Sprinkles & Set.

If adding sprinkles, do it before treats set.

Kitchen notes

Prevent Sticky Treats – If it's humid, the treats might remain sticky. We recommend spraying the parchment paper with nonstick spray and letting the treats set in the fridge instead of on the counter. Coat hands with nonstick spray to prevent the mixture from sticking when you press it into the pan.

Prevent Tough, Hard Treats – It's important to heat the butter and marshmallows over low or medium heat because heating it over high heat can cause hard treats.

What Cheerios to Use – Use any flavor of Cheerios you'd like and customize them by adding sprinkles or drizzling or dipping in chocolate.

A few answers

What equipment do we need to make this recipe?

Nonstick Pan – a good nonstick pan helps to keep your marshmallows from turning into a cleanup nightmare.
Mixing Spoon – a large, steady spoon (nonstick a plus!) is a must for this recipe.
Parchment Paper – mandatory if you want easy to release cheerios bars.
Baking dish – high walled dishes best for these treats.

How do we Store Cheerios Treats?

If you make a big batch of these cheerio cereal bars and want them too last as long as possible, please keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

How long do these cheerio treats last?

These treats will before softer by the day, its best to eat leftover cereal bars within one week.

Other good Desserts You'll Love

If you're craving something sweet and good, that is easy to make, simple – and doesn't require a bunch of extra ingredients or special tools, you can LOVE this easy dessert like these cheerio bars!

For our complete dessert recipe archives, please click here.

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Ingredients

½ cup salted butter
10 cups mini marshmallows, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
9 cups honey nut cheerios, or other cheerio flavor
¼ cup sprinkles, optional

Method

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter and 8 cups of marshmallows over medium heat until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, Cheerios, and remaining marshmallows until fully coated.
Transfer to the prepared baking pan and gently press the mixture into the pan. Spread sprinkles atop the cheerio bars, if using.
Cool at room temperature for 1 hour before cutting.