Peel and core the apples, then cut them into chunks.
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples with ½ cup of the brown sugar, boiled cider (or water,) nutmeg, ground cloves and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 13 minutes: the apples will be soft and the mixture should also be thickened. Remove the pan from heat.
Prepare the cereal mixture:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line an 8-inch x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl combine 2½ cups of the Cheerios, the flour, the remaining ½ cup of brown sugar, the baking soda and salt. Add in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set aside ½ cup of the mixture.
Press the remaining 2 cups of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 23 minutes until the crust has browned. Remove the pan from the oven.
Spread the apple mixture over the top of the crust, to within a ½-inch of the edges.
Sprinkle the remaining Cheerios-butter mixture over the apple layer.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of dry Cheerios over the apple layer as well.
Return the pan to oven and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, until it is lightly browned. Remove from oven and place pan on a cooling rack.
Once cooled lift it by the paper out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into 9 bars.
OPTION: Add pumpkin spice
You can add pumpkin spice flavor to these bars by stirring the spices into the plain Cheerios mixture: while combining Cheerios with flour and brown sugar, add in ¾ teaspoon of pumpkin spice blend. You can find this in the spice aisle at the store.
Notes
You can add pumpkin spice flavor to these bars by stirring the spices into the plain Cheerios mixture: while combining Cheerios with flour and brown sugar, add in ¾ teaspoon of pumpkin spice blend. You can find this in the spice aisle at the store.
Use original Cheerios, or try a flavor like Pumpkin Spice, Apple-Cinnamon, Maple, or Frosted