No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

The Perfect No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

Sweet and addictive no-bake chocolate peanut butter crunch bars combine classic flavors that dance together in delightful harmony.

These no-fuss treats refine simple ingredients into a decadent dessert that satisfies intense cravings.

Rich chocolate layers meld perfectly with creamy peanut butter, creating a texture that crackles and melts simultaneously.

Crispy elements add unexpected excitement to each delectable bite, making these bars irresistibly tempting.

Quick assembly means you can whip up this indulgent recipe without ever touching an oven.

Cool kitchen techniques refine basic pantry staples into something extraordinary and crowd-pleasing.

Each bar promises a luxurious experience that balances sweet, salty, and crunchy sensations in one perfect package.

Why No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Rule

  • Whip Up Ultimate Snack Simplicity: These no-bake bars eliminate complicated cooking steps, making them perfect for quick treat lovers who want delicious results without turning on the oven.
  • Indulge in Texture Paradise: Crispy rice cereal creates an amazing crunch that perfectly contrasts with smooth, rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, delivering a delightful sensory experience in every single bite.
  • Enjoy Rapid Reward Treats: With just 10 minutes of prep time and minimal ingredients, these bars offer a speedy solution for satisfying sweet cravings, making them ideal for busy families or spontaneous dessert moments.
  • Create Customizable Flavor Fun: The recipe welcomes easy modifications like adding nuts, using different chocolate types, or incorporating honey instead of maple syrup, allowing personal creativity and taste preferences to shine through.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate PB Crunch Bars

Crunchy Base:
  • Crispy Rice Cereal: Light and airy foundation that adds delightful crunch and texture to the bars.
Sweet Binding Agents:
  • Maple Syrup, Coconut Oil: Natural sweeteners that help bind ingredients and create a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter: Rich, creamy components that provide deep chocolate and nutty flavors. Choose high-quality chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa content and natural peanut butter without added sugars for best results. Peanut butter can be easily swapped with almond, sunflower, or cashew butter for different flavor profiles.

Making No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Easily

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Ready the Crunch Base

Pour crispy rice cereal into a spacious mixing bowl, setting it aside for the chocolatey coating.

Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Chocolate Mixture

Gather ingredients:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Peanut butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Coconut oil

Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Create Chocolatey Cereal Blend

Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the crispy rice cereal. Gently fold and stir until every single cereal piece is completely coated with the luscious chocolate mixture.

Step 5: Shape the Bars

Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, pressing down gently to create a compact layer.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes. The bars are ready when they’re firm to the touch and hold their shape.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Remove the bars from the refrigerator. Lift the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into square or rectangular pieces using a sharp knife.

Serving Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Tips to Get That Perfect No-Bake Crunch Bar Texture

  • Chill Perfectly: Ensure bars set completely by refrigerating for at least 90 minutes, which helps create a firmer, more stable texture.
  • Smooth Coating Technique: Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into cereal using a silicone spatula to guarantee every piece gets evenly coated.
  • Prevent Sticking: Use unbleached parchment paper with slight overhang for easy bar removal and clean cutting.
  • Temperature Matters: Let bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor release.
  • Customize Crunch: Experiment with different crispy cereals like rice krispies or cornflakes to create unique texture variations.

Storing Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Like a Pro

  • Refrigerate: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep them between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
  • Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed cold. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.

What to Pair with Crunchy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

  • Create Dessert Wine Harmony: Pair these decadent chocolate peanut butter bars with a sweetPort wine, which complements the rich chocolate and nutty flavors perfectly.
  • Craft Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a smooth cold brew or espresso, letting the coffee's robust notes balance the sweet, creamy texture of the bars.
  • Boost Beverage Enjoyment: Match with a tall glass of cold milk, creating a classic childhood-inspired combination that enhances the crunch and sweetness of the dessert.
  • Elevate Tasting Experience: Consider a caramel-based craft beer or amber ale, which will echo the deep, complex flavors of chocolate and peanut butter while adding a subtle malty undertone.

Creative Add-Ins for PB Crunch Bars

  • Nutty Crunch Blast: Swap peanut butter with almond butter and add chopped roasted almonds for extra texture and nutty flavor.
  • Dark Chocolate Berry Edition: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped freeze-dried raspberries with dark chocolate chips for a tangy, rich variation.
  • Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle sea salt before chilling to create a sweet and salty sensation.
  • Coconut Tropical Treat: Replace maple syrup with honey and mix in shredded coconut for a tropical-inspired crunchy bar.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible no-bake chocolate peanut butter crunch bars deliver a heavenly blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Crispy rice cereal adds delightful texture, making these quick treats perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (375 ml) chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (250 ml) peanut butter
  • 3 cups (750 ml) crispy rice cereal

Base/Sweetener Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (125 ml) maple syrup

Additional Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Create a foundational base by lining an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring smooth removal of the bars after setting.
  2. Empty the crispy rice cereal into a spacious mixing bowl, preparing it for the chocolatey coating.
  3. Select a microwave-safe container and combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil, carefully melting the ingredients until they transform into a silky, uniform liquid.
  4. Thoroughly whisk the melted ingredients, ensuring a completely smooth and integrated mixture with no visible separation.
  5. Gently cascade the molten chocolate-peanut butter blend over the crispy rice cereal, meticulously stirring to achieve comprehensive and even coverage of each cereal piece.
  6. Methodically transfer the glossy mixture into the parchment-lined baking dish, using a spatula to distribute and level the contents uniformly across the surface.
  7. Carefully place the prepared dish into the refrigerator, allowing the bars to solidify and set for approximately 60-90 minutes until they reach a firm, sliceable consistency.
  8. Once fully chilled and hardened, extract the parchment-lined bars from the dish and slice into neat, uniform rectangular portions ready for serving.

Notes

  • Sneak a peek into your fridge and grab those simple ingredients waiting to become irresistible treats.
  • Melting chocolate and peanut butter creates a silky smooth base that transforms ordinary cereal into extraordinary bars.
  • Cold refrigeration works magic, turning liquid mixture into delectable, crispy squares perfect for quick snacking or dessert emergencies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star