Homemade Crunch Bars
User Reviews
5
Homemade Crunch Bars
Description
The Homemade Crunch Bars recipe melts together chocolate chips, peanut butter, and salt to create a smooth, rich coating that binds crisp rice cereal into a crunchy mixture. After combining, the mixture is pressed into a greased loaf pan lined with parchment paper, then chilled in the freezer until it sets firmly.
This no-bake approach leads to bars with a crisp bite from the cereal and a creamy chocolate-peanut butter flavor. The bars are sliced into one-inch pieces and can be sized smaller for snack portions. The recipe’s flexibility allows adjustments in chocolate type or peanut butter brand to alter taste and texture.
These bars are convenient to store frozen until ready to serve and can accommodate gluten-free diets by selecting gluten-free rice cereal. Vegan adaptations require checking chocolate chip ingredients for dairy-free certification.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups rice cereal crisp
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and salt together. You can do this in a microwave, or in a double boiler by adding an inch of water to a small saucepan and placing a heat-safe bowl on top of the pot. Bring the water to a boil, and gently stir the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and salt together until they are smoothy melted.
- Place the rice cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the rice cereal and stir well, until evenly coated.
- Lightly grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and press a piece of parchment paper into the bottom of the pan. (The oil will hold the parchment paper in place.) Transfer the crunch bar mixture into the pan, and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan on a flat surface in the freezer to chill until firm, about 1 hour.
- When the chocolate feels firm to the touch, you can use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to slice the chocolate into 1-inch bars. You can make "fun size" bars by slicing the chocolate down the center, as well. (See photos for reference.)
- These crunch bars are best kept in an airtight container in the fridge, for up to 2 weeks. When you use an all-natural peanut butter, they will become softer when left at room temperature for too long. You can also freeze these for up to 3 months, if you'd like to store them longer.
Notes
- Use gluten-free certified rice cereal to keep the bars gluten-free.
- Darker chocolate reduces sugar content in the bars.
- Choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
- Bars can be frozen for longer storage and cut into smaller sizes if preferred.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 18(fun size bars)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 126 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 126kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 2mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 73mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 43mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 34IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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