Peanut Butter - Cheerios Bars

Not the best eye appeal, but they taste good!

The original recipe was a variation of Rice Krispie Bars; I was introduced to these peanut buttery bars by 4-H members.  I was never a huge fan of Rice Krispie Bars made with marshmallows; and in truth, Rice Krispies cereal has never been something I would keep around the house to eat.  Cheerios, on the other hand, are always available.  Usually I buy store-brand O-shaped oat cereal rather than Cheerios.  These bars are great for bake sales; they are durable, not subjct to crumbling, and they always seem to be gone at the end of the day. 

Peanut Butter – Cheerios Bars

1 cup sugar

1 cup white corn syrup

½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

1 cup peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)

6 cups O-shaped oats cereal

Prepare a 9x13 inch pan by spraying with nonstick pan spray; set aside.  In a large saucepan, add sugar, corn syrup, and butter or margarine.  Bring to a boil and boil one minute.  Stir in peanut butter until well blended.  Stir in dry cereal until all the cereal is coated.  Turn mixture into the prepared pan and press down with the back of a spoon.  After mixture is a set, but not completely cool, cut into squares; cutting is easier before they are completely hardened.   Yield:  24 bars.  Tip:  If you choose to use margarine instead of butter, make sure the product is real margarine rather than vegetable oil spread, which contains water and may result in less than ideal bars.

Ready for the bake sale.