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To make the Award Winning Homemade Crunch Bars, gather these simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in the taste and texture of the bars. - 2 cups crispy rice cereal - 1 cup smooth peanut butter - 1 cup natural honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) - 1 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) - 1 tsp vanilla extract - A pinch of fine sea salt These ingredients are easy to find. They blend together to create a treat that is both crunchy and sweet. The crispy rice cereal adds a nice crunch, while the peanut butter provides a creamy base. Honey or maple syrup gives a touch of sweetness, and dark chocolate adds richness. Nuts bring extra texture and flavor. Using high-quality chocolate chips makes a big difference. They melt smoothly and taste great. You can also mix in your favorite nuts for a personal touch. Make sure you have everything ready before you start. This way, you can enjoy the process and create your delicious bars with ease. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This overhang helps you lift the bars out later. Using parchment paper is key. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Next, heat the peanut butter and honey in a medium saucepan. Use low heat so it doesn’t burn. Stir consistently until the mixture is smooth. A well-combined mixture will look glossy and creamy. Once it’s ready, remove it from heat. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor. In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy rice cereal and chopped nuts. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over this. It’s important to mix evenly. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to coat every piece of cereal. This ensures each bite is tasty. Now, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a rubber spatula to press it down firmly. Compacting the mixture helps the bars hold together. Make sure to spread it evenly, so each bar has the same thickness. For the chocolate, use a microwave-safe bowl. Add the dark chocolate chips and heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between each interval. This prevents overheating, which can ruin your chocolate. You want it to be smooth and shiny when done. Once your chocolate is melted, pour it over the pressed rice cereal mixture. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet chocolate. To let the bars set, place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the chocolate harden and the bars firm up. After chilling, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out. Cut them into squares or rectangles for serving. Make sure to use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For award-winning crunch bars, the right ratio of ingredients matters. Use 2 cups of crispy rice cereal to 1 cup of peanut butter and honey. This blend gives you a perfect crunch. If you add too much peanut butter, your bars may crumble. To avoid crumbling, press the mixture firmly into your baking dish. Use a spatula to pack it down well. This step helps the bars hold their shape when you cut them. A great way to serve your crunch bars is on a pretty platter. Drizzle melted chocolate on top for added flair. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts for extra crunch. If you want to package them as gifts, wrap each bar in decorative parchment paper. Tie them with a ribbon for a nice touch. This makes them perfect for birthdays or holidays. One common mistake is overheating the chocolate. Heat it in short bursts and stir often. This way, you get a smooth melt without burning. Another mistake is not pressing the mixture firmly enough. If you don’t press it down, the bars may fall apart. Use the back of a rubber spatula to ensure they are compact and sturdy. Pro Tips Tip 1 - Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh peanut butter and high-quality chocolate chips to enhance the flavor of your crunch bars. Tip 2 - Customize Your Nuts: Experiment with different types of nuts or seeds to find your favorite combination, adding extra crunch and flavor. Tip 3 - Storage Tips: Store your crunch bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to keep them fresh. Tip 4 - Perfecting the Chocolate Layer: For a shiny finish, temper the chocolate before pouring it over the bars for a professional look. {{image_4}} To make vegan crunch bars, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the bars sweet and plant-based. You can also use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. Both give nice flavors. For chocolate, choose dairy-free dark chocolate chips. These changes keep your bars tasty and vegan-friendly. You can add fun flavors to your crunch bars. Try mixing in shredded coconut for a tropical touch. A pinch of cinnamon can also add warmth and spice. For nuts, think about using pecans or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor. You can create a crunch bar that fits your taste perfectly. If you need nut-free bars, simply leave out the nuts. Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. For gluten-free options, pick gluten-free crispy rice cereal. You can also use gluten-free oats. These swaps make the bars safe for those with allergies. It’s easy to adapt this recipe for everyone! To keep your crunch bars fresh, store them in an air-tight container. This prevents moisture from making them soft. I recommend using a glass or plastic container with a secure lid. Place a piece of parchment paper between the bars to avoid sticking. For best results, keep the container in the fridge. This will help maintain texture and taste. The cool environment stops the chocolate from melting and keeps the bars firm. You can keep these bars for about two weeks in the fridge. If stored properly, they stay tasty and crunchy. Look out for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or have a change in color, it’s time to toss them. You can freeze crunch bars for longer storage. To do this, wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge. This helps keep their crunchy texture. Avoid thawing them at room temperature, as this may cause them to become too soft. To prevent stickiness, use cold tools and hands. Chill the peanut butter mix before adding it to the cereal. Dust your hands with a bit of powdered sugar or cornstarch when pressing the mixture into the pan. Using parchment paper also helps with easy removal later. Yes, you can! Almond butter or cashew butter works well too. For a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter. Each choice brings a unique flavor while keeping the crunch bars tasty. If you lack crunchy rice cereal, you can use cornflakes or puffed quinoa. Both options give a similar crunchy texture. Even crushed graham crackers can add a fun twist to your bars. To amp up the chocolate flavor, add cocoa powder to the peanut butter mix. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips with the cereal. Drizzle more melted chocolate on top for an extra chocolaty finish. In this post, we explored how to make delicious crunch bars using simple ingredients. We covered preparation tips, mixing techniques, and common mistakes to avoid. Remember, achieving the right texture is key to success. Don't forget to try variations like vegan options or allergy-friendly recipes. Proper storage will keep your bars fresh longer. With these tips, you can create tasty treats for yourself and others. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share these crunch bars with friends and family!

Award Winning Homemade Crunch Bars

Delicious and easy-to-make crunchy bars with a delightful peanut butter and chocolate flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1 cup natural honey
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • a pinch fine sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring to leave some overhang on the sides.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, heat the peanut butter and honey over low heat. Stir consistently until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Once combined, remove from heat and then mix in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of sea salt.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy rice cereal and chopped nuts. Carefully pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly, ensuring that all pieces of cereal are evenly coated.
  • Spread the Mixture: Transfer the well-mixed cereal and peanut butter combination into the prepared baking dish. Using the back of a rubber spatula, press the mixture down firmly and evenly to create a compact base.
  • Melt Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be cautious not to overheat.
  • Add Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed rice cereal mixture. Gently spread it out using a spatula to cover the surface evenly. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of the chocolate.
  • Chill and Set: To set the bars, place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • Cut and Serve: Once the bars are set, remove them from the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Carefully cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, arrange the crunch bars on a decorative platter. Consider drizzling extra melted chocolate over the top or adding a sprinkling of chopped nuts for visual appeal. Wrapped individually in decorative parchment, these bars also make delightful gifts for friends or can be served at parties.
Keyword crunch bars, dessert, no-bake