peanut butter chocolate crunch bars

No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe


These peanut butter chocolate crunch bars are irresistibly delicious and are so easy to make. You don’t even have to bake them.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

My peanut butter crunch bars recipe is the ultimate chocolate, peanut butter, no-bake sweet treat.

These sweet and crunchy peanut butter bars can be made without turning on the oven and are made with just a few simple ingredients.

Why you’ll love these peanut butter crunch bars recipe

You’ll love these homemade crunch bars because:

  • They are very easy to make: These peanut butter chocolate crunch bars can be prepared in just 15 minutes – no bake and only require four ingredients.
  • The perfect balance of flavors: Creamy peanut butter and chocolate truly are meant to be enjoyed together. With just the right amount of sweet and salty, this combo takes the flavor of these peanut butter chocolate crunch bars to a whole other level.
  • Always have a homemade chocolate snack on hand: I love having a homemade chocolate snack ready to enjoy at any time. These bars can be made, stored in the freezer, and enjoyed whenever you want.
  • Kid-friendly: Kids love the sweet, crunchy texture of the bars as well as the chocolate and peanut butter combination. Plus, because they are so easy to make, it’s a great way to get kids to help out in the kitchen.

Peanut butter crunch bar ingredients

2 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies (or comparable store-brand rice cereal)updated

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate bar, about two 4-ounce bars, roughly chopped (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup butter

2 tablespoons Caramel sauce optional, to drizzle on top

Peanut butter crunch bars equipment

9×9 inch pan (or 8×8 inch pan)

Heatproof bowl or double boiler

Mixing bowl

Spatula or back of a spoon

Parchment paper

Commissionable Links

How to make peanut butter crunch bars

#1. Prep: Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside. Add 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl and set aside, ready to be mixed with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture.

#2. Melt: In a heatproof bowl, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate bar (roughly chopped), 1/2 cup peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter. Heat the mixture over a double boiler (or in the microwave in 30-second increments) until fully melted and smooth, stirring occasionally. I personally prefer the double boiler because I can more easily make sure that nothing burns.

#3. Combine: Once the chocolate mixture has melted, pour it over the Rice Krispies cereal in the heat-proof bowl. Mix well until the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.

#4. Transfer to pan: Spoon the mixture into your prepared pan lined with parchment paper, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

#5. Optional: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the top of the bars with 2 tablespoons Caramel sauce, if desired.

#6. Chill to Set: Place the pan of Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars in the freezer for about a half an hour to an hour or until the bars are fully set and firm. You can keep these bars in the freezer until ready to serve.

#7. Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the freezer and cut them into squares using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy.

Substitutions

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies – You can use a store-brand rice cereal or other puffed cereals such as Cheerios, cornflakes, or granola. Keep in mind that using different cereals will change the texture and flavor, but they will still provide that satisfying crunch.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar – Feel free to substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Each substitution will give the finished product a different flavor. You also have the option to use chocolate chips.

Peanut Butter – Due to the unique consistency of peanut butter, I don’t recommend substitutes like cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini for peanut butter. Almond butter might work, but experimentation may be required to get the right texture and flavor.

Butter – If you want to use a dairy-free alternative, you can use dairy-free margarine instead of butter. I do not recommend coconut oil as a substitute for butter in this recipe. Coconut oil behaves way differently, especially at room temperature, and it doesn’t translate 1:1. revised

Caramel Sauce – While the caramel sauce is optional, you can use different kinds of syrups and sauces to top the bars. Maple syrup, honey, chocolate syrup, and butterscotch sauce all provide different kinds of flavors to your homemade crunch bars.

Storage

These peanut butter chocolate crunch bars are best stored in the freezer. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Recipe Troubleshooting

Even the simplest recipes can sometimes present challenges. Here are some issues to keep in mind when you’re making peanut butter chocolate crunch bars and how to avoid them:

Bars are too crumbly or falling apart

Possible Causes: There was not enough binding agent (butter or peanut butter), or the mixture wasn’t pressed firmly enough into the pan.

Solution: Use the correct amount of butter and peanut butter as specified in the recipe. After mixing the ingredients, press the mixture firmly into the pan using the back of a spoon or a spatula to compact it.

Bars are too sweet or not sweet enough

Possible Causes: Variation in the sweetness of chocolate used or personal taste preferences.

Solution: Adjust the amount of chocolate used or try using a different type of chocolate (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to achieve your desired sweetness level.

Bars are difficult to cut cleanly

Possible Causes: Bars were not chilled long enough, or the knife used wasn’t sharp enough.

Solution: Ensure the bars are fully set by allowing them to chill in the freezer for the recommended time. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to achieve clean edges.

FAQs

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter. This will add even more texture to your crunch bars and I actually prefer it that way!

While Rice Krispies are considered the best choice for this recipe, you can also try different rice crispies, crispy rice cereals, or Rice Chex cereal.

I recommend placing the peanut butter chocolate crunch bars in the freezer for about half an hour or until they are fully set or firm.

Yes, you can drizzle leftover melted chocolate on top instead of caramel sauce. You can also add toppings like chocolate chips, maple syrup, chopped nuts, or sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. Note: the classic Kellogg’s Brand Rice Krispies are not gluten-free.

The peanut butter crunch bars are sweet enough, in my opinion, but some peanut butter crunch bar recipes call for maple syrup. If you’d like to add some maple syrup to these crunch bars, add 1-2 TSP into the melted chocolate mixture.

I want to hear from you!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

If you try this peanut butter chocolate crunch bar recipe, I’d love to know what you think. Comment below or tag me on Instagram at @dee_and_sweets.

homemade peanut butter chocolate crunch bars being cut into nine bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bar Recipe

The ultimate chocolate, peanut butter, no-bake sweet treat. Our Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars will satisfy your cravings for something sweet and crunchy! A delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crispy Rice Krispies cereal. These no-bake bars are incredibly easy to make and are guaranteed to be a hit.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 Heat proof bowl or double boiler
  • 1 9×9 pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate bar about two 4 ounce bars, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons Caramel sauce optional, to drizzle on top

Instructions
 

  • Prep: Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, add 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal and set aside, ready to be mixed with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
  • Melt: In a heatproof bowl, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate bar (roughly chopped), 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/4 cup butter. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30 second increments or over a double boiler until fully melted and smooth, stirring occasionally.
  • Combine: Once the chocolate mixture is melted, pour it over the Rice Krispies cereal in the bowl. Mix well until the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
  • Transfer to pan: Spoon the mixture into prepared 9×9 pan (an 8×8 pan works well too), spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
  • Optional: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the top of the bars with 2 tablespoons Caramel sauce, if desired.
  • Chill to Set: Place the pan of Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars in the freezer for about half an hour, or until the bars are fully set and firm.
  • Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the freezer and cut them into squares using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite!

Video

I hope you love this no-bake peanut butter crunch bars recipe. If you try it, please let me know what you think in the comments section below. And be sure to check out my other chocolate and peanut butter recipes. Chat soon!

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