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No Bake Homemade Crunch Bars

No Bake Homemade Crunch Bars

These No Bake Homemade Crunch Bars are a quick, kid-friendly, and healthy dessert option that combines chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy cereal for a perfect treat any time of day!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
chill 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter no-stir variety like Smucker’s Natural or Justin’s Classic
  • 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup for a vegan twist
  • 2 cups rolled oats old-fashioned or quick-cooking gluten-free oats
  • 1 cup rice cereal Rice Krispies or generic crispy rice cereal
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed optional, adds fiber and omega-3s
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark chocolate
  • Fine sea salt pinch, balances sweetness

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang so you can lift out the bars cleanly without sticking or breaking.
  • Combine peanut butter and honey in a small saucepan over low heat (or in 30-second microwave bursts) until just warm and smooth, stirring continuously to prevent separation.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, rice cereal, and ground flaxseed until well combined to form the crunchy base.
  • Pour the warm peanut butter-honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until every flake is coated evenly.
  • Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and use the back of a spoon or damp spatula to press it down firmly, creating an even, compact layer.
  • Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly across the surface and gently press them into the bars so they stay in place after chilling.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or freeze for 15 minutes) until the bars are set and easy to slice.
  • Use the parchment overhang to lift the block from the pan onto a cutting board, then slice into 12 bars with a hot knife for clean edges.

Notes

You can swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter, and add seeds or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. Leftover bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for 1 week, or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal
Keyword Chocolate, Crunch Bars, Dessert, easy recipe, Healthy, Homemade, Kid-Friendly, No Bake Homemade Crunch Bars, No-Bake, Peanut Butter, Quick
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