No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are a delightful fusion of creamy peanut butter, sweet honey or maple syrup, and crispy rice cereal, all topped with a luscious layer of dark chocolate. This simple yet indulgent treat requires no oven time, making it an ideal choice for quick snacks, potlucks, or satisfying sweet cravings without the hassle of baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and no baking required, these bars come together swiftly, perfect for busy schedules.

• Versatile Sweetener Options: Choose between honey or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruits to personalize the bars.

• Perfect Texture: The combination of creamy peanut butter and crispy rice cereal offers a satisfying crunch in every bite.

• Ideal for All Occasions: Whether it’s a casual snack or a festive gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 3 cups rice crispy cereal

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Melt Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

3. Combine with Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, place the rice crispy cereal. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated.

4. Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well.

5. Add Chocolate Topping (Optional): In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed cereal mixture and spread evenly.

6. Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and the chocolate has set.

7. Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 16 barsReal Life Dinner

• Preparation Time: 15 minutesMost Lovely Things+12Allrecipes+12The Real Food Dietitians+12

• Chilling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.

• Different Cereals: Substitute rice crispy cereal with cornflakes or puffed quinoa for a different texture.

• Add-Ins: Incorporate mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.

• Sweetener Options: Use agave nectar or brown rice syrup as alternative sweeteners to honey or maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Serving from Freezer: Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving if taken directly from the freezer.

FAQs

What can I use instead of coconut oil?

You can substitute coconut oil with unsalted butter or a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, by using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring the chocolate chips are dairy-free, the bars can be made vegan.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Yield: 12 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are a quick and easy treat made with creamy peanut butter, honey, and crispy rice cereal. Perfect for a healthy snack or dessert, these bars are naturally sweetened and can be topped with dark chocolate for an extra indulgent twist.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 3 cups rice crispy cereal

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and coconut oil. Stir until melted and smooth.

• Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and salt.

• Gently fold in the rice crispy cereal until fully coated.

• Press the mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking dish.

• If using, melt the dark chocolate chips and drizzle or spread over the top of the bars.

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.

• Slice into bars and enjoy!

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Notes

• You can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version.

• Maple syrup gives a slightly richer flavor than honey.

• Store bars in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.