Satisfy your sweet tooth with these irresistible no-bake homemade crunch bars! Made with simple pantry staples like crispy rice cereal, chocolate chips, and peanut butter, these bars are crunchy, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick dessert or an afternoon snack, these treats will disappear in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires no baking, making it quick and hassle-free.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
- Perfectly crunchy with a rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins or sweeteners.
- A great make-ahead dessert or snack for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups of crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup of milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and honey (or maple syrup) together. You can use a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, or a double boiler over low heat. Once fully melted and smooth, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the crispy rice cereal. Mix gently until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 5: Press into the Pan
Transfer the coated cereal mixture to your prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly and evenly, ensuring it’s compact.
Step 6: Chill
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter.
- Add-Ins: Mix in mini marshmallows, dried fruit, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the bars before chilling.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and maple syrup for a vegan-friendly treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature and do not require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use puffed rice cereal instead of crispy rice cereal?
Yes, but the texture may be softer and less crunchy.
2. What type of peanut butter works best?
Smooth peanut butter creates a more cohesive bar, but crunchy peanut butter adds texture.
3. Can I make these bars sugar-free?
Yes, use sugar-free chocolate chips and a sugar-free sweetener like stevia syrup.
4. How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper with an overhang ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger pan to accommodate the extra mixture.
6. What if my chocolate mixture is too thick?
Add a small amount of milk or additional honey/maple syrup to loosen the mixture.
7. Can I add protein powder to these bars?
Yes, mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for a protein-packed snack.
8. Are these bars suitable for kids?
Absolutely! They’re a kid-friendly treat that’s perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
9. Can I use white chocolate instead?
Yes, white chocolate can be used for a sweeter variation.
10. How can I make the bars firmer?
Chill them longer or add an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the melted mixture for a firmer texture.
Conclusion
No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars are a simple and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor and crispy texture, these bars are as versatile as they are delicious. Whip up a batch today and enjoy a sweet snack that’s sure to please everyone!
Print
No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert/Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Satisfy your chocolate cravings with these easy no-bake homemade crunch bars! Made with crispy rice cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and honey or maple syrup, they’re a quick and delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the edges for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal and a pinch of salt.
- Melt the Wet Ingredients:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and honey (or maple syrup) together. Stir every 30 seconds in the microwave or continuously over low heat until smooth.
- Add Vanilla:
- Once the mixture is melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine:
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the crispy rice cereal and gently mix until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Press into Pan:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press down firmly with a spatula to make the bars compact.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until fully set.
- Cut and Serve:
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the set bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For added crunch, mix in chopped nuts or mini marshmallows.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- These bars are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 1 month.
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