Description
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are a delicious no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, crunchy oats, and puffed rice cereal topped with a rich layer of melted dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick snack or an easy homemade dessert, they require minimal prep and no baking, making them ideal for busy days or when you want a sweet fix without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or dairy-free chocolate chips)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Combine peanut butter and sweetener: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt into the peanut butter mixture to enhance the taste.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats and puffed rice cereal evenly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and puffed rice cereal, stirring until all the dry ingredients are fully coated and evenly distributed.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press down firmly to create an even, tightly packed layer.
- Melt chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Add chocolate layer: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the oat and peanut butter mixture, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour or until the bars are firm and the chocolate topping has set completely.
- Serve and store: Once the bars have set, remove them from the pan using the parchment paper, cut into 12 bars, and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- You can substitute puffed quinoa or millet for puffed rice cereal to vary the texture.
- Ensure the peanut butter is natural and smooth or crunchy based on your preference.
- If coconut oil is not available, you can omit it, but it helps create a shinier, firmer chocolate topping.
- Pressing the mixture firmly helps the bars hold together better after chilling.
