S’mores Cheerio Treats

I’ve been eating Cheerios pretty much since I was born. But way back then (age doesn’t really matter, right) all that was available was the plain, whole grain Cheerios in the big yellow box.  Since I started eating them, however a lot has changed. The original Cheerios (which has been around since 1941) still exists, but now there are a whole bunch of other flavors to try and enjoy: Honey Nut Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Cheerios Dark Chocolate Crunch, the list goes on and on. While I haven’t tried all the flavors available, there have been a couple I’ve been lucky enough to sample: Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch and their newest cereal, Cheerios Protein Cinnamon Almond.

Both are delicious in a bowl with milk, but they also make wonderful snacks. Sure, you can put a cup or two into a baggie and eat them dry by the handful, but you can also whip them up into delicious treats to take on camping trips, hikes or even to the park. That’s what I did with Cheerios Protein. I took a tasty cereal full of protein, whole grains and almond granola clusters, and turned it into something kids and parents alike will love. Something that will remind you of roasting marshmallows on your favorite camping trip.

I chose s’mores treats because that’s what I thought of with my first bite. The combination of almonds and cinnamon reminded me of graham crackers and what goes best with graham crackers? Why marshmallows and chocolate, of course. And these treats taste just like s’mores. Not only will you enjoy them, I guarantee your kids will gobble them up like there’s no tomorrow. Why can I make that guarantee? Because my two year-old did. He sucked and gnawed on that bar till it no longer existed. And then he asked for another one.

That smile pushed you over the top, didn’t it? So, hop on over to your local grocery store, pick up a box, and whip up a batch of bars that will keep you and your kids going all summer long. If you still have some cereal leftover, that’s great! Just add milk to start your morning off with a tasty breakfast.

S’mores Cheerio Treats

Ingredients:

• 5 cups mini marshmallows
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cups Cheerios Protein Cinnamon Almond cereal
• 1 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup flax seeds
• 11 oz. 72% chocolate (or if you prefer a lighter chocolate, you can use that instead)

Directions:

1. Grease a 9×13 pan and set aside.
2. Melt the marshmallows and butter together in a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
3. While the marshmallows melt, toss together the Cheerios, almonds and flax seeds until well combined.
4. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Cheerio mixture. Cover your hands in butter and toss the marshmallow mixture with Cheerio mixture until completely coated. Re-butter your hands and press the Cheerio mixture into the prepared pan.
5. Melt the chocolate in a small sauce pan over low heat. Once completely melted, pour over the entire top of the Cheerio treats. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set. Cut into bars and serve or store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Cheerios provided me with their cereal and paid me a stipend to post this recipe. But any opinion expressed is my own and is not influenced in any way by the manufacturer/PR firm as I only review products that I have personally tested and endorse.