Can I make these crunch bars sugar-free?

Yes, you can! Use sugar-free chocolate chips and natural peanut butter without added sugars. This way, you get all the delicious flavors without the extra sugar.

What’s the best method for melting chocolate?

Both the microwave and double boiler methods work well. The microwave is faster, but the double boiler provides more control and reduces the risk of burning.

How should I store these bars?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you prefer to store them longer, freeze them in an airtight container, and they’ll last up to three months.

Can I use other cereals instead of rice cereal?

Absolutely! You can substitute rice cereal with cornflakes, puffed quinoa, or even crushed graham crackers for a slightly different texture and taste.

What other nut butters work for this recipe?

Almond butter and cashew butter work great as alternatives to peanut butter. Just keep in mind they may slightly alter the flavor.

Are these bars suitable for kids?

Yes, they’re a kid-friendly snack! However, if the bars are for younger kids, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces.

No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips.
1/2 cup peanut butter.
1/4 teaspoon salt.
2 cups crisp rice cereal.
Optional: Sweetener or vanilla extract for added flavor.

Instructions

Melt the chocolate and peanut butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and salt. You can either melt them in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between, or use a double boiler method on the stove. When they’re smooth and fully melted, set aside.
Prepare the cereal mix: Place the rice cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir until every piece is evenly coated with chocolate and peanut butter.
Transfer to the pan: Lightly grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with oil and line it with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the bars later. Pour the cereal mixture into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill until firm: Place the pan in the freezer for about an hour or until the chocolate feels firm to the touch. Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan.
Slice and enjoy!: Cut the bars into 1-inch squares for a quick snack or slice them into fun-size bars for easy sharing. Serve them chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Storage: Store these crunch bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you prefer them on hand longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Room Temperature: With natural peanut butter, these bars can get soft if left out too long. Keep them cool for the best texture!
Substitutions: You can swap out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you prefer. For added flavor, try mixing in a splash of vanilla extract with the melted chocolate mixture.
Texture Boost: Add a handful of chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture.

Author: Elina
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no bake)
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 200 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Easy No-Bake Desserts, Healthy Chocolate Crunch Bars, Vegan Chocolate Snacks