Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Crispy, chocolatey, and packed with peanut butter, these no-bake crunch bars are an easy homemade treat with a satisfying snap.
Ingredients
Crunch layer
2 cups crispy rice cereal
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Chocolate topping
1½ cups chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tsp coconut oil, optional
Instructions
Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Make the peanut butter mixture: Add peanut butter, honey, and butter to a saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and mix in vanilla and salt.
Add the crunch: Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated. Avoid crushing the cereal.
Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer.
Make the chocolate topping: Melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut oil together in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Layer: Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal base and spread evenly.
Chill: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until firm.
Cut: Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
Tips
Add chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the chocolate topping makes the peanut butter flavor pop.
For firmer bars, chill them overnight.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
