Peanut Butter Crunch Bars with Cheerios and Chocolate

Melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter bars with crispy cereal and a sweet chocolate top! Oh, and these protein-rich bars are no-bake, vegan and gluten-free too!

Another day, another bar. You know I love making healthy snacks for my boys and their friends. And I especially love when those snacks are easy! These bars are no different. You just need one saucepan, a big bowl and a baking pan. And a hunger for something awesome, but that should come easy.

So why did I choose Cheerios? The truth is, I think Rice Krispies get all the glory when it comes to bars and snacks. Why not whole grain, gluten-free, toasted O's? And, that toasted flavor of the oat-based cereal really shines through in these bars, something you can't quite accomplish with rice cereal.

These bars are 100% make-ahead friendly - as in like 3 days ahead. Make the bars as instructed and cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate until ready to cut and serve. You can also store the leftover, cut-up bars in an airtight container for 3 days.

Peanut Butter Crunch Bars with Cheerios and Chocolate

For the bars: 
5 cups Cheerios cereal (I used original, but I bet Honey Nut Cheerios would be amazing too)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
4 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the topping:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter (1 cup), maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt. Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly. Simmer for 1 minute, stirring/whisking constantly.
Pour the cereal into a large bowl. Pour the peanut butter mixture over top and stir to combine. Press the mixture into the prepared pan (use a spatula or your hands and press sort of firmly to get rid of any air pockets).
Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
Once the bars are firm, make the topping. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 4 tablespoons peanut butter. Microwave on HIGH until melted and smooth, checking and stirring every 30 seconds. Pour the mixture over the bars and smooth the top. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Cut into 24 bars. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Makes 24 bars