Irresistible No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

Irresistible No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

Chocolate and peanut butter create a magical dance of flavors in these no-bake chocolate peanut butter crunch bars that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Sweet meets salty in a delightful symphony of textures and richness.

The crispy layers meld together effortlessly, promising a decadent treat without ever touching an oven.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smooth chocolate and nutty peanut butter goodness.

The minimal effort required makes these bars a go-to dessert for anyone seeking instant satisfaction.

Simple ingredients combine to produce an irresistible snack that disappears faster than you can mix them together.

Dive into this easy recipe and experience a dessert that proves sometimes the best treats require no cooking at all.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Pantry Items for No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

For Base and Crunch:
  • Crispy Rice Cereal: Provides delightful crunch and textural contrast, select fresh and crisp cereal for maximum snap and lightness.
  • Coconut Oil: Helps bind ingredients and creates smooth texture, choose high-quality organic option for best flavor and consistency.
For Sweet Binding:
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds depth and richness, opt for pure Grade A maple syrup for authentic flavor profile.
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers creamy texture and nutty essence, select natural unsweetened variety for healthier option and pure taste.
For Decadent Coating:
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates luxurious chocolate layer, pick high-quality dark or semi-sweet chips for deeper chocolate experience and balanced sweetness.

Tools to Prep No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

  • Mixing bowl: Large enough to hold crispy rice cereal comfortably.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Used for melting chocolate and other wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending melted ingredients until creamy and uniform.
  • 8 x 8-inch baking dish: Essential for shaping and setting the bars.
  • Parchment paper: Helps easily remove bars after chilling.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for cutting bars into neat, even pieces.

Instructions for No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

  • Baking Dish Preparation

Create a cozy home for your chocolate adventure by lining an 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper, ensuring easy bar removal later.

  • Cereal Foundation

Gather crispy rice cereal in a spacious mixing bowl, ready to become a crunchy masterpiece.

  • Chocolate Magic

Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil into a silky, luxurious blend using a microwave or stovetop.

  • Cereal Transformation

Drench the crispy cereal with the molten chocolate mixture, stirring until every single piece is gloriously coated.

  • Chilling Session

Spread the decadent mixture evenly in the prepared dish and let it relax in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to set perfectly.

  • Delicious Finale

After an hour of chilling, slice into irresistible bars and indulge in your no-bake chocolate peanut butter creation.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bar Adjustments

  • Crunchy Texture Tricks: Toast the crispy rice cereal in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before mixing to enhance its nutty flavor and extra crunchiness.
  • Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the bars or mix in a handful of chopped peanuts for added depth and texture.
  • Storage Secrets: Keep these bars wrapped individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Chocolate Swap Surprise: Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique flavor combinations that match your mood or pantry supplies.
  • Healthy Twist Option: Replace maple syrup with honey or use a sugar-free alternative for a lower-sugar version that still delivers amazing taste and crunch.

How to Serve No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

  • Sweet Morning Kickstart: Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful breakfast treat that energizes your day.
  • Dessert Companion: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent after-dinner indulgence that satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Snack Adventure Pack: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for perfect on-the-go snacks during hiking, road trips, or afternoon work breaks.
  • Party Platter Charm: Cut bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange on a colorful platter for casual gatherings, potlucks, or kids' birthday parties.

Storing No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Properly

  • Smart Portioning: Cut bars into uniform squares and stack between wax paper layers for easy grab-and-go snacks during busy weeks.
  • Chilled Shelf Life: Store these delightful bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 7 days, maintaining their perfect crunch and creamy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy for up to 3 months – perfect for make-ahead treats that survive busy schedules.
  • Temperature Tip: Allow frozen bars to thaw in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before enjoying, ensuring they regain their delectable soft-yet-crispy consistency.
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Irresistible No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

Irresistible No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade no-bake chocolate peanut butter crunch bars offer a quick, indulgent dessert with minimal kitchen effort. Crisp layers of chocolate and creamy peanut butter blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each irresistible bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (375 ml) chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (250 ml) peanut butter
  • 3 cups (750 ml) crispy rice cereal
  • ½ cup (125 ml) maple syrup
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for easy bar removal.
  2. Chocolate Fusion: In a microwave-safe bowl, meld chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil until transformed into a glossy, homogeneous liquid.
  3. Cereal Coating: Pour the molten chocolate mixture over crispy rice cereal, stirring meticulously to ensure each piece receives a complete, even chocolate embrace.
  4. Setting Process: Transfer the glistening mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth, level surface.
  5. Chilling Stage: Refrigerate the dish for 60-90 minutes, allowing the bars to solidify into a firm, slice-ready consistency.
  6. Serving Finale: Remove the set bars from the refrigerator, lift out using parchment paper, and slice into precise rectangular portions ready for indulgence.

Notes

  • Prep Parchment Precisely: Line the baking dish carefully to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars after setting.
  • Melt Ingredients Mindfully: Use a microwave-safe container and heat chocolate mixture slowly, stirring frequently to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency without burning.
  • Coat Cereal Completely: Stir the chocolate mixture thoroughly to guarantee each crispy rice piece is evenly and generously covered for maximum flavor.
  • Chill Confidently: Refrigerate bars for exactly 60-90 minutes, checking firmness to create the perfect texture – not too soft, not too hard.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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