Satisfy your sweet cravings with the delightful simplicity of our No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars. This easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal effort and time, delivering a perfect blend of crispy rice cereal, creamy milk chocolate, and nutty peanut butter. Whether you’re a busy individual looking for a quick treat or someone with a passion for hassle-free desserts, these bars are bound to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the world of homemade goodness with this irresistible no-bake creation.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup of milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions:
- Line the Pan:
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. - Prepare Cereal:
In a large bowl, mix the crispy rice cereal with a pinch of salt. - Melt Chocolate Mixture:
Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and honey/maple syrup together. This can be done in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, or using a double boiler on the stove. - Add Vanilla Extract:
Once melted and smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. - Combine and Chill:
Pour the chocolate mixture over the crispy rice cereal and mix gently until well coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan, pressing down firmly to ensure it’s compact. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until set. - Cut and Serve:
Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper and cut them into squares. - Enjoy:
Indulge in these delightful bars immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips:
- Customize your bars by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
- For a smoother chocolate mixture, melt the ingredients gradually, stirring consistently.
Conclusion:
Embrace the convenience of our No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars, a delectable combination of crispy texture and sweet satisfaction. This recipe offers a quick and easy solution for those moments when a sweet tooth strikes. Share these delightful bars with friends and family or savor them as a personal treat stored in the fridge. Elevate your snacking experience with these homemade delights that prove you don’t need an oven to create something extraordinary.
PrintNo-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars
These No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars are a simple and delicious treat that combines the creamy richness of chocolate with the irresistible crunch of crispy rice cereal. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or serving at a party, these bars are easy to make with just three ingredients!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if preferred)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
Instructions
1. Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter (if using).
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt the chocolate and peanut butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method).
2. Mix with the Cereal:
- Add the crispy rice cereal to the melted chocolate mixture.
- Gently fold the cereal into the chocolate until evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Pour the chocolate and cereal mixture into the prepared dish and press it down evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
4. Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the dish for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set.
- Once set, lift the crunch bar slab out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang.
5. Slice and Serve:
- Cut the slab into squares or rectangles.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Add-Ins: Stir in mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure the cereal is vegan-friendly.
- Storage: These bars keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or can be frozen for up to 3 months.