Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars featuring a crispy rice cereal base coated in a creamy peanut butter and honey mixture, topped with a smooth layer of melted chocolate and optional chopped peanuts for added crunch. Perfect no-bake dessert or snack that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the peanut butter mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), unsalted butter (or coconut oil), and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then remove from heat.
- Combine with cereal: Gently fold the crispy rice cereal into the peanut butter mixture until the cereal is fully coated and evenly distributed.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate melts smoothly.
- Top with chocolate and peanuts: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture in the pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top if using.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is firm and the bars set completely.
- Cut and serve: Once set, remove from the refrigerator, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, cut into 16 bars, and serve.
Notes
- Store bars in the fridge for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
- Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to suit dietary preferences.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Ensure to press the mixture firmly into the pan for easy cutting and good bar shape.
- Bars keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
