These Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars have been proudly sponsored by General Mills. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are genuinely my own.

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Fuel Your Day with Homemade Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars: The Ultimate Healthy Snack

In our increasingly fast-paced lives, finding nutritious, convenient, and delicious snacks can feel like a constant challenge. We’re always on the lookout for wholesome options that can keep up with our busy schedules and satisfy cravings without compromising on health. That’s where homemade snacks truly shine, offering a perfect blend of control over ingredients, customizable flavor, and undeniable freshness.

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to a recipe that promises to become a staple in your household: Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars. These aren’t just any snack bars; they’re a power-packed blend of whole grains, hearty nuts, and naturally sweet dried fruit, designed to be crunchy, satisfying, and lightly sweetened for the perfect pick-me-up any time of day.

Embracing the Summer Rush with Smart Snacking Solutions

As the school year draws to a close, a familiar shift occurs in many homes. The quiet mornings give way to lively days filled with the joyful sounds of children. Summer brings with it a whirlwind of activities: sports practices, exciting camps, countless playdates, and refreshing dips in the pool. While these moments create cherished memories, they also usher in a rather hectic pace.

With all this activity comes an undeniable truth: hungry children. Keeping them fueled with nourishing options is a top priority, especially when you’re constantly on the go. This is precisely why I prioritize whipping up easy-to-make, nutritious snacks that can sustain us throughout the week. Portable snacks are essential for our family; they’re perfect for grabbing on our way out the door, and of course, they absolutely must be delicious enough to be eagerly devoured by everyone.

These Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars tick all the boxes. They are generously packed with wholesome grains, robust nuts, and vibrant dried cherries, providing a delightful natural sweetness without any added refined sugar. The combination creates a truly satisfying snack that my kids and husband genuinely adore. They offer sustained energy, helping to bridge the gap between meals and keep spirits high during our busiest days.

Cheerios: A Timeless Family Favorite and a Staple for Wholesome Living

Cheerios has been a cherished part of our family for generations. I vividly recall enjoying them as a child, with the Apple Cinnamon variety holding a special place in my heart. Today, with the exciting array of new flavors, choosing just one favorite has become incredibly difficult! However, I especially appreciate the Multi Grain Cheerios for their enhanced nutritional profile, offering added whole grains, essential vitamins, and vital minerals, making them an excellent foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

Beyond being a beloved breakfast cereal, Cheerios has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community. Currently, they are running a heartwarming “Buy One, Give One” promotion on specially marked boxes. This initiative allows consumers to share the goodness by gifting a box of Cheerios to someone deserving, and I was eager to participate.

A Gesture of Kindness: Sharing Wholesome Goodness with a Deserving Friend

When thinking of someone truly deserving to receive a free box of Cheerios, my best friend, Mel, immediately came to mind. Mel is an exceptionally kind and loving person who consistently goes out of her way to do thoughtful things for her friends. It was time for me to return that immense kindness.

All year long, Mel runs an in-home daycare, caring for children ranging from eight weeks old up to school age. And during the summer months, she also has her energetic eight-year-old son at home full-time. That’s a lot of hungry mouths to feed from sunup to sundown! Knowing her daily routine, I was certain she would be thrilled to receive a free box of Cheerios – who wouldn’t be?

However, I decided to take my gesture one step further. Besides the free box of Cheerios, I also brought her a fresh batch of these delectable Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars. They are absolutely perfect for the kiddos when they need a quick, wholesome snack, and what child doesn’t love Cheerios? Plus, the added dried cherries provide a delightful burst of natural sweetness and antioxidants, making them an even better choice than many store-bought alternatives.

After picking up a box of Multi Grain Cheerios from the cereal aisle at Walmart, I eagerly rushed home to prepare these amazing Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars. I’ll be hand-delivering them to Mel this week, along with the recipe, so she can easily whip up more batches herself. I have no doubt they’ll disappear quickly in her busy home!

Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars: The Quintessential Crunchy Snack Bar

These bars are not just easy to make; they are incredibly versatile. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the run, a school lunchbox filler, an after-school pick-me-up, or a healthy treat for a long car ride, they are perfectly suited for any occasion. Their no-bake nature makes them ideal for summer when you want to avoid turning on the oven, and they are firm enough to withstand being packed in bags and lunchboxes.

Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars

Prep 5 mins

Inactive 3 hours

Total 3 hours, 5 mins

Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 16 servings

Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars are packed with whole grains, nuts and dried fruit. They’re crunchy, nutty and lightly sweetened for the perfect snack bar any time!

Ingredients

6 cups Multi Grain Cheerios
9 ounces nuts (I used a mixture of cashews, pistachios and almonds)
1 cup dried cherries
½ cup all-natural peanut butter
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil (measured before liquid state)

Instructions

Into a large bowl, place Multi Grain Cheerios, nuts and cherries.
Into a small microwaveable bowl, add peanut butter, maple syrup and coconut oil. Microwave until melted, about 30 seconds.
Pour mixture over Cheerios mixture in bowl and mix to combine.
Place into a parchment lined 13 x 9” pan and place into the refrigerator to harden, about 3 hours.
Slice into bars and serve.

Courses Snack

Cuisine American

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 16 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 273
% Daily Value
Total Fat 17 g		26%
	Saturated Fat 5 g	25%
Sodium 89 mg		4%
Total Carbohydrates 27 g		9%
	Dietary Fiber 3 g	12%
	Sugars 8 g
Protein 7 g		14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to customize your bars! You can swap the Multi Grain Cheerios for any other favorite Cheerios flavor. Experiment with different types of nuts like pecans, walnuts, or a mix of several. If cherries aren’t your preference, dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots would also work beautifully. Just ensure they are unsweetened to maintain the natural sweetness profile.
Binder Alternatives: If you have a peanut allergy, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives. For a slightly different flavor, you can also use honey instead of maple syrup, though it might alter the sweetness level slightly.
Storage: These bars keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature for a quick snack!
Getting Kids Involved: This is a fantastic recipe for getting younger helpers in the kitchen! Kids can assist with measuring out the dry ingredients, mixing everything together (once the warm binder has cooled slightly), and pressing the mixture into the pan. It’s a fun and easy way to teach them about healthy eating.

Join the Movement: Share a Box, Share a Smile with Cheerios!

As I mentioned earlier, look for specially marked boxes of Cheerios featuring the “Buy One, Give One” call-out. After you’ve purchased your box at Walmart, simply enter the unique code found on the box here to gift a free box to someone truly deserving. It’s incredibly simple, yet profoundly impactful!

The recipient could be a family member like your mom, dad, grandparent, or cousin, or even a close friend, just as I’ve done with Mel. No matter who you choose to send a free box of Cheerios to, anyone would undoubtedly appreciate such a thoughtful and kind gesture. It’s a wonderful way to spread a little joy and encourage healthy eating within your community.

Beyond the generous act of giving, I wholeheartedly recommend that you try making these Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars for yourself. They are super simple to prepare, incredibly easy to enjoy, and unequivocally delicious. Your entire family will absolutely love them, and trust me, you won’t be able to keep them around for long!

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