Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: PT-487693H31M2S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Crispy Rice Cereal: 3 cups; Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup; Honey or Light Corn Syrup: 1/2 cup; Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup; Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 1 1/2 cups; Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon;

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If you’ve been searching for the ultimate homemade treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars will steal your heart (and taste buds!). Made with layers of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crispy rice cereal, every bite crackles with nostalgia and comfort. With a no-bake method and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s the dreamy dessert for potlucks, lunchboxes, and late-night chocolate cravings alike. Whether you love chocolate, peanut butter, or that irresistible crunch, this is the addictively easy bar recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars is how a handful of simple ingredients can create such a magical combination of taste, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why each one matters in the most delicious way.

Crispy rice cereal: Brings that signature airy crunch and makes the bars delightfully light.
Creamy peanut butter: Forms the rich, nutty base that holds everything together and adds indulgent flavor.
Honey or light corn syrup: Sweetens the bars while acting as a natural binder, ensuring every bite is chewy but never dry.
Granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps the peanut butter mixture set perfectly.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Melt into a glossy, decadent top layer with just the right balance of cocoa.
Coconut oil or unsalted butter: Guarantees the chocolate stays silky-smooth and easy to slice, even straight from the fridge.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on all sides—this little detail makes it so much easier to lift out and slice your Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars later.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the creamy peanut butter, honey (or light corn syrup), and sugar. Keep stirring gently as the mixture melts and just starts to bubble—smooth and glossy is the goal, so don’t walk away!

Step 3: Add the Crunch

Remove your saucepan from the heat and immediately add the crispy rice cereal. Use a sturdy spatula to fold everything together until every cereal puff is nicely coated with the sweet, peanutty goodness.

Step 4: Press into the Pan

Transfer the cereal mixture into your prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly—you can use the back of a spoon, an offset spatula, or even your clean hands (lightly greased if things get sticky) for a smooth surface. This sets the stage perfectly for the chocolate topping.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

Combine the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or unsalted butter) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until completely melted and glossy. You want the chocolate perfectly smooth so it spreads like a dream.

Step 6: Pour, Chill, and Slice

Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to gently smooth the top, then pop the pan in the refrigerator for at least one hour, until the chocolate is fully set. Once chilled, lift the slab out using your parchment overhang, and cut into squares. Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are officially ready!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Garnishes

For an extra pop, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer before chilling. Chopped roasted peanuts or a dusting of cocoa powder are also fantastic ways to make your Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars look as special as they taste.

Side Dishes

While these bars are perfect on their own, they also play well with others. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, some fresh berries, or even a glass of cold milk for the classic childhood feel.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars into showstoppers by cutting them into different shapes with cookie cutters, wrapping them individually for lunchbox treats, or stacking them on a pretty platter with parchment between layers for a party spread that disappears fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep brilliantly for up to a week, and the chocolate layer stays snappy and glossy!

Freezing

If you need to make these even further ahead, simply separate layers with parchment and freeze them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months — just thaw briefly at room temperature before serving for the perfect texture.

Reheating

These don’t need reheating, but if you’d like them a touch softer, you can let the bars sit out at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. The chocolate softens just enough for a velvety bite.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and tiny peanut pieces for even more crunch in your Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. It’s a fun way to mix things up.

What can I substitute for coconut oil?

If you don’t have coconut oil, unsalted butter works perfectly. It keeps the chocolate glossy and easy to slice, while not altering the flavor much.

Are these gluten-free?

If you use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars will be totally gluten-free—making them ideal for parties or anyone with dietary restrictions.

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of semisweet?

Definitely! This recipe is easy to customize—swap in dark chocolate for deeper intensity or milk chocolate for extra sweetness, depending on your taste and who’s grabbing a piece.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining your pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang is key. It allows you to simply lift out the slab and cut perfect squares without any sticking—or tearing!

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars—they’ve quickly become the treat I crave most. They’re easy, crave-worthy, and always a hit with friends and family. I hope you’ll give them a try and fall in love with their irresistible crunch and double-layered decadence just like I did!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 16 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars! A simple no-bake treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a satisfying crunch from crispy rice cereal. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Crispy Rice Cereal:

3 cups;

Creamy Peanut Butter:

1 cup;

Honey or Light Corn Syrup:

1/2 cup;

Granulated Sugar:

1/2 cup;

Semisweet Chocolate Chips:

1 1/2 cups;

Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter:

1 tablespoon;

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Mix Peanut Butter Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter, honey, and sugar until smooth. Remove from heat and mix in the cereal. Press into the pan.
Melt Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave. Spread over the peanut butter layer.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set. Cut into squares and enjoy!