Description
These Healthy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat combining creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa, and crispy rice cereal. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, they require minimal prep and chilling time for a satisfying, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the bars later.
- Melt 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 melted and smooth to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Flavors: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined, creating a rich and flavorful base.
- Incorporate Cereal: Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal into the peanut butter mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated without breaking the cereal.
- Form Bars: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer. This ensures the bars hold together well when sliced.
- Add Topping (Optional): Sprinkle dark chocolate chips evenly over the top and press them lightly into the mixture so they adhere as the bars set.
- Chill: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm to the touch.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper, slice into 12 squares, and enjoy your healthy snack.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Use agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup to make the bars fully vegan.
- Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for extended storage.
