Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars combining creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and a rich chocolate topping. These no-bake bars are perfect for a quick dessert or healthy snack and can be customized for extra crunch or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir continuously until the ingredients melt together and form a smooth mixture.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and salt for enhanced flavor.
- Combine with Cereal: Gently fold the crispy rice cereal into the peanut butter mixture, making sure all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or clean hands to press it down firmly and evenly to form the base layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: Place the chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until completely melted and smooth.
- Spread Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cereal base, spreading it smoothly with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate topping is firm and set.
- Slice and Serve: Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, then cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- For extra crunch, stir in 1/4 cup chopped peanuts with the cereal before pressing into the pan.
- These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal to keep the recipe gluten-free.
