Description
These Healthy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines smooth peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and melted dairy-free chocolate. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these bars require no baking and set firmly in the refrigerator for a satisfying crunch with a rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
Topping Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and make removing the bars easier later.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix the smooth peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smoothly combined.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse flavor evenly.
- Mix with Cereal: Add the crispy rice cereal to the peanut butter mixture and gently fold until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly to create an even layer.
- Melt Chocolate: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the dairy-free chocolate chips in 20-second increments, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
- Spread Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the cereal layer and spread using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Top with Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter over the chocolate layer and create swirls by gently dragging a knife or toothpick through the surface.
- Refrigerate: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate to set firmly.
- Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and ensure cereal is nut-free.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan and dairy-free.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together better.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts or seeds if desired.
