No-Bake Snack Recipes

Busy day? We’ve got your back with quick, no-bake snack recipes you can whip up and enjoy in under an hour. Whether you need a lunchtime bite, after school snack or party treat, these easy, low-effort favorites will become your go-to snack staples.

Should You Refrigerate No-Bake Snacks?

Yes - in fact, it’s a smart move to refrigerate your no-bake snacks if you want them to stay fresh all week. Some recipes even taste better chilled or frozen, so you can enjoy them for even longer. While not every snack needs the fridge (like our Homemade PB&J Trail Mix), storing them there won’t hurt – and often helps keep things crunchy and delicious.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chex Bars

These gluten-free bars combine Honey Nut Chex cereal with a sweet, creamy peanut butter mixture, topped with a smooth chocolate-peanut butter layer. They're quick to prepare, perfect for sharing and of course, no-bake!

Servings: 32

Time: 60 Minutes

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Ingredients
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
  • 1 bag (11.5 oz) milk chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons butter
Preparation
  1. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
  2. In large microwavable bowl, microwave corn syrup and sugar uncovered on High 2 minutes to 2 minutes 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until mixture just begins to boil.
  3. Stir in 1 cup of the peanut butter and the salt; mix until blended.
  4. Stir in cereal until evenly coated. Press mixture firmly into pan, making sure top is even.
  5. In medium microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter and the butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir until mixture is smooth. Spread over bars. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows.
Tips
  • Cooking Gluten-Free? Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is gluten-free. Products and ingredients sources can change.
  • The secret for cutting bars easily is to line the pan with heavy-duty or nonstick foil. After the chocolate is set, use foil to lift bars out of pan, then cut. This also makes cleanup extra easy.

Are No-Bake Snacks Good for Lunch?

No-bake snacks aren’t just easy to whip up – they’re perfect for prepping ahead. Make a batch at the start of the week, portion it out, and you’ve got grab-and-go bites ready for lunchtime every day. It’s not just bars, either. Some of our snack mixes are as simple as mix, serve, dig in – like our fruity Strawberry-Banana Chex Trail Mix. Just 30 minutes on Sunday, and you’re set for the week.

More No-Bake Snack Recipes

At Chex, we’re all about easy, irresistible recipes you’ll want to make again and again. They’re quick to throw together, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time hanging out with family – or just kicking back with a snack bowl to yourself.

Homemade Chex Berry Trail MixHomemade Chex Berry Trail MixNo oven? No problem. This quick trail mix comes together in under 10 minutes – just mix and munch. With rich chocolate chips, dried strawberries, and crunchy almonds, it’s a crave-worthy combo that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking or afternoon pick-me-up.Get Recipe
Homemade Caramel Apple Chex Trail MixHomemade Caramel Apple Chex Trail MixThis no-bake trail mix combines Cinnamon Chex and Corn Chex cereals with caramel corn, dried apple chips, and cranberries for a sweet, crunchy snack that’s ready in just 5 minutes. It’s perfect for when you want a taste of fall anytime throughout the year.Get Recipe
Classic Homemade Chex Monster Trail MixClassic Homemade Chex Monster Trail MixThis no-bake trail mix combines Chocolate and Rice Chex cereals with raisins, candy-coated chocolates, peanuts, almonds, and chocolate chips. It's a quick and easy snack that's perfect for any occasion.Get Recipe
Homemade Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Chex Trail MixHomemade Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Chex Trail MixGive in to your sweet tooth with Cinnamon Chex and Chocolate Chex cereals, mini marshmallows and milk chocolate chips mixed together for a sweet, crunchy treat. Ready in just 5 minutes, it's great for cosy gatherings or a quick snack.Get Recipe

How to Make No-Bake Snacks Better for You

No-bakes snacks can be as good for you as you make them. The trick? Making simple swaps. Trail mixes are a great place to start since you can mix and match ingredients to suit your goals. Want a lighter twist on our Caramel Apple Chex Trail Mix? Swap the caramel corn for plain popcorn or almonds. Or swap dry roasted peanuts for unsalted peanuts in our PB&J Trail Mix, as well as switching yogurt-covered raisins for unsweetened dried fruit like cranberries. A few smart swaps can turn your favorite Chex snack into a more nutritious one.