Sunny Peanut Butter Chews
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Now that the kids are back in school and settling into their post-holiday routine, it’s the perfect time to surprise them with a cheerful after-school treat! These Sunny Peanut Butter Chews are guaranteed to brighten their day with every gooey, crunchy bite. I first spotted the recipe on Betty Crocker’s website, and it instantly reminded me of a nostalgic twist on classic Rice Krispies treats—except this version uses Golden Grahams cereal for a fun graham cracker vibe and adds creamy peanut butter to the marshmallow mixture for extra richness.
With just four ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is a breeze to whip up. The combination of graham cereal, marshmallows, peanut butter, and butter is pure comfort food magic—sweet, salty, and satisfyingly chewy. Whether you make them in a saucepan or microwave, they come together in minutes and cool into perfect snackable squares. Honestly, how can you go wrong with that lineup?
Ingredients for Sunny Peanut Butter Chews
- PEANUT BUTTER
- BUTTER OR MARGARINE
- MINIATURE MARSHMALLOWS
- GOLDEN GRAHAM CEREAL
Instructions for Sunny Peanut Butter Bars
Stovetop Instructions
Prep your pan: Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square pan with shortening, or use a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray.
Melt the goodness: In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, butter, and marshmallows. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth—this takes just a few minutes.
Add the crunch: Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in the Golden Grahams cereal, one cup at a time, stirring until each piece is coated in that creamy marshmallow mixture.
Shape your bars: Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down evenly using a spatula lightly coated in butter or cooking spray (this helps prevent sticking).
Let them set: Allow the bars to cool completely—about 30 minutes at room temperature—so they hold their shape.
Slice and serve: Once cooled, cut into 6 rows by 3 rows to create perfect snack-sized portions.
Microwave Instructions
Short on time? The microwave method gets these treats on the table even faster!
Prep your pan: Just like above, grease a 9-inch square pan or spray it with cooking spray.
Quick melt: In a 3-quart microwave-safe bowl, add the peanut butter, butter, and marshmallows. Microwave uncovered on High for 1 minute. Give it a good stir, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until smooth.
Add the cereal: Stir in the cereal, one cup at a time, until well-coated.
Press, cool, slice: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, press it evenly, cool for 30 minutes, and slice into bars just as with the stovetop method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cereal besides Golden Grahams?
Yes! While Golden Grahams give that graham cracker flavor, you can swap in Rice Krispies, Cornflakes, or even Cheerios for a different texture and taste. Just keep the quantity the same.
Is there a nut-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely. You can substitute sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter for the peanut butter to make it allergy-friendly. Just make sure it’s creamy for the best results.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely, these bars keep well for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, though they’ll be a bit firmer.
Can I freeze Sunny Peanut Butter Chews?
Yes! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
How do I keep the mixture from sticking to the spatula?
Lightly butter or spray your spatula before pressing the mixture into the pan. You can also use wax paper or parchment paper to press it down without the mess.
Can I double the recipe? Yes—just use a 9×13-inch pan instead of a 9-inch square, and double all the ingredients. The bars will be slightly thicker, so you may want to let them cool a bit longer.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Sunny Peanut Butter Chews
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- â…“ cup peanut butter
- 3 Tbsp butter or margarine
- 10 oz bag miniature marshmallows
- 5 cups Golden Graham cereal
Instructions
- Grease bottom and sides of 9-inch square pan with shortening, or spray with cooking spray.
- In 3-quart saucepan, heat peanut butter, butter and marshmallows, stirring constantly, until melted; remove from heat. Gently stir in cereal, 1 cup at a time, until evenly coated.
- Press mixture evenly in pan with buttered spatula. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 3 rows.
- Microwave Directions: Grease bottom and sides of 9-inch square pan with shortening, or spray with cooking spray. In 3-quart microwavable bowl, microwave peanut butter, butter, and marshmallows uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Gently stir in cereal, 1 cup at a time, until evenly coated. Press mixture evenly in pan with buttered spatula. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 3 rows.
