If you’re a fan of that nostalgic crunch and peanut buttery chocolate flavor, you’re going to absolutely love this Reese’s Puffs Cereal Bars Recipe. These bars take the classic Reese’s Puffs cereal and transform it into a chewy, delightfully sweet treat that feels like a hug in snack form. Whether you want an easy dessert to impress guests or a quick pick-me-up for yourself, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that just bursts with comforting flavor and irresistible texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a stack of cereal bars on a white plate with a white marbled table underneath. The bars have two main layers: the base layer is light beige and looks crispy, made from puffed cereal pieces that are mixed tightly together. The top is coated with a thin shiny layer of light caramel or honey-colored syrup, giving a sticky texture with visible puffed cereal grains. Dark chocolate drizzle lines go across the top of each bar in uneven thin stripes, adding contrast to the lighter colors. The bars are mostly rectangular and stacked in a loose pile on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is all about keeping things simple, with just a handful of ingredients that each play a perfect role in making the bars chewy, crunchy, and totally crave-worthy. You’ll see how every element, from the butter to the marshmallows, works together to create that soft yet chewy texture, while the Reese’s Puffs cereal adds that signature peanut butter and chocolate punch.

4 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps everything melt together smoothly, with that hint of salt balancing the sweetness.
10.5 oz mini marshmallows: The key to that gooey texture that holds the bars together perfectly; fresh marshmallows melt best here.
1/3 cup peanut butter (optional): For an extra creamy and nutty depth that complements the cereal’s flavor beautifully.
5 cups Reese’s Puffs cereal: The star of the show, bringing that beloved peanut butter and chocolate taste plus a satisfying crunch.
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for drizzle): Adds a luscious finishing touch when melted and drizzled on top.
1/2 cup peanut butter (optional for drizzle): Makes the bars look more irresistible and enhances flavor contrast when melted.

How to Make Reese’s Puffs Cereal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. This gentle melting ensures the butter doesn’t burn, setting up a smooth base for the marshmallows. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until everything is melted and combined into a glossy, sticky mixture. This gooey blend is the magic glue that will hold your cereal bars together.

Step 2: Mix in Reese’s Puffs Cereal

Next, remove the pan from heat and stir in the Reese’s Puffs cereal until every piece is coated with that luscious marshmallow butter mixture. This step is all about evenly distributing the goo so that each bar has the perfect chewy-crunchy balance. If you want that extra peanut butter flavor, fold in the optional 1/3 cup of peanut butter here, mixing until smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Press Into Pan

Transfer the sticky mixture into a parchment-lined or greased 8-inch pan. Use a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper to gently press the cereal mixture down firmly and evenly. This helps the bars set nicely and makes slicing clean and easy later on.

Step 4: Cool and Cut

Allow the mixture to cool completely; this usually takes around 20–30 minutes at room temperature. Cooling is important because it lets the bars set to that perfect chewy texture you want. Once firm, slice the block into 8 equally sized bars and get ready to indulge.

Step 5: Optional Chocolate and Peanut Butter Drizzle

For a truly next-level finish, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter separately, then drizzle them artfully over the bars. Let the drizzle firm up for a few minutes before serving to add a beautiful, flavorful topping that’s as delicious as it is pretty.

How to Serve Reese’s Puffs Cereal Bars Recipe

The image shows several rectangular cereal bars stacked on a white plate with a gold rim. Each bar has two visible layers: a light brown, firm base layer and a top layer made of cereal clusters coated in a glossy caramel-like glaze. The bars are drizzled with thin, dark chocolate lines in a zigzag pattern across the top. The plate is placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or crushed Reese’s candy pieces on top of the drizzle really amps up the nutty flavor and adds even more texture. You can also dust some cocoa powder lightly for a subtle chocolate punch.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with cold milk or a creamy vanilla yogurt, balancing their sweet and chewy texture with a refreshing, smooth bite. Consider serving them alongside fresh fruit like berries for a bright and colorful snack plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these bars on a decorative platter with small bowls of melted chocolate and peanut butter for dipping. Another fun idea is to sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two bars for an unforgettable dessert treat anyone would rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them airtight keeps them chewy rather than drying out.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want a treat, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until soft and chewy again.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars slightly warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will soften them up nicely without making them too gooey or sticky. Just be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Reese’s Puffs?

Absolutely! While Reese’s Puffs give that unique peanut butter and chocolate flavor, other cereals like Cocoa Pebbles or even Rice Krispies work well if you want to change it up.

Do I have to use mini marshmallows?

Mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, but if you only have large ones, simply break them into smaller pieces and they’ll work just fine.

Is the peanut butter necessary?

Peanut butter is optional but highly recommended if you love that rich, nutty depth. If you skip it, the bars will still be tasty but a bit lighter in flavor.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Using parchment paper or greasing your pan generously is the key. This helps you lift the bars out easily and keeps clean-up simple.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute vegan butter and marshmallows, and make sure your cereal fits your dietary preference. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic!

Final Thoughts

This Reese’s Puffs Cereal Bars Recipe is such a fun and simple way to turn a beloved cereal into a chewy, sweet snack that everyone will adore. With just a few pantry staples and a pinch of love, you get bars that satisfy that craving for something sweet and nostalgic in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this and make it your go-to treat for snack time or dessert – it’s truly a game-changer!

Reese’s Puffs Cereal Bars Recipe

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4 from 31 reviews

Author: Amina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These Reese’s Puffs Cereal Bars are a quick, no-bake treat combining the classic peanut butter and chocolate flavors of Reese’s Puffs cereal with gooey marshmallows. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, they offer a chewy, crunchy texture that’s easy to make and delicious to eat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 tablespoons salted butter (add 1/4 teaspoon salt if using unsalted)
10.5 oz mini marshmallows (use fresh for best melting)
1/3 cup peanut butter (optional)
5 cups Reese’s Puffs cereal

Optional Drizzle Toppings

1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter

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Instructions

Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the saucepan from heat immediately to avoid burning.
Combine with Cereal: Stir the Reese’s Puffs cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture until every piece is evenly coated. If using peanut butter, stir it in now until well combined for an extra peanutty flavor.
Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into an 8-inch pan lined with parchment paper or greased lightly. Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to firmly press the mixture down evenly and compactly to ensure the bars hold together.
Cool and Set: Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature until firm enough to cut. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
Cut into Bars: Once set, cut the block into 8 equal bars using a sharp knife.
Prepare Optional Drizzle: (Optional) Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter separately, either using a microwave or double boiler. Drizzle each over the bars creatively and allow them to firm up before serving for added visual appeal and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh mini marshmallows for best melting results.
Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together well.
For a richer peanut flavor, add peanut butter directly into the melted marshmallow mixture.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
The optional drizzle adds visual appeal but can be omitted for a simpler treat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American