Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are incredibly simple to make and require no baking! They are a great way to satisfy your chocolate cravings in just 20 minutes. The creamy peanut butter combined with crispy Rice Krispies and melted chocolate creates the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Plus, they can be customized for various dietary needs and preferences, such as gluten-free or vegan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred type of chocolate)
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies (or any preferred crispy rice cereal)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Cereal: Stir the Rice Krispies into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture until well coated.
- Spread and Freeze: Spread the mixture evenly into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Cut and Serve: After freezing, cut into bars and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 pieces
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based nut butter like almond or cashew butter.
- Milk Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the Rice Krispies are gluten-free, or use a gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
- Nut-Free: Try using sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) in place of peanut butter for a nut-free option.
Storage/Reheating
Store the Crunch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months for a longer shelf life.
FAQs
How do I know if the chocolate and peanut butter mixture is smooth enough?
The mixture should be completely melted and smooth with no lumps. Stir well after each heating interval.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or other nut butters can be used as a substitute for peanut butter.
Are these bars gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free crispy rice cereal, these bars can easily be made gluten-free.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste.
How long do these bars last?
The bars will last for about a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I make these bars in a larger pan?
You can, but you may need to adjust the thickness of the bars. If using a larger pan, reduce the quantity of the mixture or increase the chill time.
Do I need to refrigerate these bars?
They don’t need refrigeration unless you prefer them cold, but keeping them in a cool place will help them maintain their texture.
Can I make these without peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
How can I make these more chocolaty?
You can drizzle extra melted chocolate on top before freezing for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Can I add toppings to these bars?
Yes, you can sprinkle flaked sea salt, mini marshmallows, or crushed nuts on top before freezing.
Conclusion
Homemade Crunch Bars are a quick, no-bake dessert that combines the deliciousness of chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy cereal into one easy-to-make treat. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, these bars are a perfect snack for any time of day. They also make great gifts during the holidays!
Homemade Crunch Bars Recipe
These homemade Crunch Bars are a simple and delicious treat that beats store-bought versions. Made with just three ingredients—chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy Rice Krispies—these no-bake bars are rich, crunchy, and irresistible. Perfect for chocolate lovers, they’re quick to make, customizable for various diets, and great for satisfying cravings in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or preferred chocolate)
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies (or any crispy rice cereal)
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until smooth.
- Add the Cereal: Stir the Rice Krispies into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture until well coated.
- Spread and Freeze: Spread the mixture evenly into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 15 minutes until firm.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based nut butter (like almond or cashew).
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the Rice Krispies are gluten-free or use a gluten-free rice cereal.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
- You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months for longer storage.