Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars combining creamy peanut butter, crunchy oats and puffed rice, and a smooth chocolate topping. These no-bake bars are perfect for a quick snack or dessert and can be made with natural ingredients like honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal
Chocolate Topping
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or dairy-free chocolate chips)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix peanut butter and sweetener: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the natural peanut butter and honey or maple syrup. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir thoroughly until smooth and fully combined.
- Add vanilla and salt: Stir the vanilla extract and salt into the peanut butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats and puffed rice cereal evenly.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat and cereal blend, stirring until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact layer.
- Melt chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
- Spread chocolate layer: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the oat and peanut butter base, smoothing it to cover the surface completely.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set.
- Cut and store: Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, cut into 12 bars, and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey to make the bars vegan.
- Use natural peanut butter for best flavor and texture—smooth or crunchy both work well.
- The optional coconut oil helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and sets better.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together when cut.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
