Description
These homemade crunch bars combine crispy rice cereal with a luscious blend of melted semisweet and milk chocolate chips, enhanced with optional peanut butter and vanilla extract for a rich, flavorful treat. Perfectly easy to prepare and set in the refrigerator, these bars offer a delightful crunchy texture paired with smooth chocolatey goodness, ideal for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
Chocolate Mixture
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (optional for added richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the bars later.
- Set the Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, pour the crispy rice cereal and set aside, ready to be coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter, semisweet chocolate chips, and milk chocolate chips together. Stir occasionally until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla (Optional): Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until fully integrated, adding extra richness and flavor.
- Combine Chocolate with Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the crispy rice cereal. Gently fold the ingredients together until all the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate blend.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down evenly and compact it firmly to ensure the bars hold together once set.
- Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, allowing the chocolate to harden and the bars to set properly.
- Cut and Serve: Remove the set crunch bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into squares or rectangles, then serve and enjoy your homemade crunchy, chocolatey snack!
Notes
- You can customize by using all milk chocolate or all semisweet chocolate depending on your sweetness preference.
- Optional peanut butter adds extra creaminess and depth to the flavor but can be omitted for a peanut-free version.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold their shape after slicing.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and firm.
- For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or mini marshmallows before pressing into the pan.
