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Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars

These no-bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars combine creamy peanut butter, crisp rice cereal, and a smooth chocolate topping for an easy, addictive treat. Perfect for parties, gifts, or an afternoon pick-me-up — they come together quickly and store beautifully.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Bars, Dessert, No-Bake Treats, Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Peanut Butter Layer:
  • ½ cup 115 g unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup honey or light corn syrup
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 4 cups crispy rice cereal
For the Chocolate Topping:
  • 1 ½ cups 260 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tsp coconut oil optional, for smoother melting
  • Optional: melted white chocolate for drizzling

Method
 

  1. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease if needed.
  2. Melt Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, peanut butter, honey (or corn syrup), and salt. Stir until smooth and melted. Do not boil.
  3. Add Cereal: Remove from heat and quickly fold in the rice cereal, mixing until fully coated.
  4. Press into Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to press down firmly and evenly. Chill for 15–20 minutes until set.
  5. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips (and coconut oil if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
  6. Top the Bars: Spread melted chocolate over the peanut butter base. Tap the pan gently to smooth. Optional: drizzle white chocolate on top and swirl.
  7. Chill & Slice: Refrigerate for 1 hour or until fully set. Lift out the slab, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into bars with a sharp knife.

Notes

  • For Clean Cuts: Warm your knife under hot water, dry it, and cut through the bars in one motion.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days, in the fridge up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Variations: Try adding crushed pretzels, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
  • Sweetness Adjustments: If using sweetened peanut butter, reduce honey slightly to avoid overly sweet bars.