Crispy, crunchy and loaded with so much chocolate peanut buttery goodness! These bars are the perfect no bake treat and are even a little healthier for you too!
Introducing one of my favorite snacks to keep on hand: Chocolate peanut butter crunch bars! Whenever I think of rice krispies, I’m always reminded of my childhood and how I would always beg my mom to buy the chocolate ones! (Yes my love for chocolate was real, even then. 😉 ) Sometimes she’d listen and sometimes well…she wouldn’t.😑 But I know deep down it’s because most of those treats were loaded with so much sugar and complicated ingredients and she was just looking out for my well being. Well loves, these bars are exactly like those store bought treats – except 100x better and 100x better for you too!
Ingredients
You want to know what I LOVE about this recipe? It’s only 4 ingredients! That’s right…only 4! And I’m like 95% sure they’re ingredients you already have in your house as we speak. 😉
- Crispy rice cereal: The base for your crunch bars! 😉 These help to keep your bars light and airy and still provides a nice crunchy texture.
- Peanut butter: Adds flavor and helps to hold your bars together. (I’ve found that using creamy NOT DRIPPY peanut butter tends to work the best for this recipe.)
- Honey: Adds some sweetness and also holds your treats together. (I’ll usually add 2-4 tablespoons depending on how sweet I want them.)
- Chocolate chips: Gives these bars a little extra “umph” and pairs so well with your peanut butter!
When it comes to healthy snacks, there’s no place I’d rather get my ingredients from than Sprouts! And if you’ve been anywhere around my site, you know how much of an advocate I am for them. Their produce is always incredibly fresh and great quality and they have so much variety when it comes to new products too!
How to make chocolate peanut butter crunch bars
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Next, mix your peanut butter and honey together and pour it into a large bowl with your rice cereal. Mix the two together until the cereal is completely coated. (Don’t worry about being gentle either! It’s ok if some the crispies get a little mashed.)
- Then press your cereal mixture into your prepared pan to form an even layer and set is aside.
- Next, heat your chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in the microwave until the chocolate is completely melted. (I usually melt mine at 30 second intervals and stir in between each interval. It should take 60-90 seconds.) Then pour the chocolate over your cereal layer and place the pan in the fridge until the chocolate has set.
- Cut and serve immediately!
Add-ins & Variations
Don’t get me wrong these cereal bars are AMAZING just as they are, but it’s always kinda fun to spruce things up a little bit too, right?! So here are a few of my favorite “add-ins” that you can sprinkle on top of the chocolate layer before it cools. (And ideas for making them gluten free and dairy free too!)
- Chocolate chips
- Mini m&m’s
- Sprinkles
- Chopped mini Reese’s
- Sea salt (I’m talking about a very light sprinkle on top. Trust me loves, it makes a world of difference!)
- Switch up the peanut butter: Try using almond butter, cashew butter or even a flavored peanut butter if you’re feeling a little crazy! (Just make sure whichever “butter” you choose is similar to the consistency of regular peanut butter.)
- Gluten free version: Use gluten free crispy rice cereal and prepare according to the original directions.
- Dairy free version: Use your favorite dairy free chocolate chips/chocolate bar instead of the regular chocolate chips listed.
Want it sweeter? Just add 1-2 more tablespoons of honey before pressing it into your pan!
How to store these chocolate peanut butter crunch bars
Storing these tasty treats couldn’t be easier! Just place your bars in a large ziplock bag and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat! They should stay good for about 1 week if stored in the fridge. Or you can store them for even longer if kept in the freezer too! Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. 🙂 (I wouldn’t suggest leaving them out at room temperature for too long though because the chocolate layer will start to melt!)
More recipes you might like:
- Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
- S’mores Skillet Dip
- Easy Chocolate Mousse Cups
- Double Chocolate Chip Butternut Squash Brownies
[Made one of my recipes? Make sure to tag my social media @kalefornia_kravings – I love seeing what you create!]
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Ingredients
For the rice krispie treats:
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal (use gluten free if needed)
- ¾ cup + 2 Tbsp peanut butter
- 2-4 Tbsp honey
For the chocolate layer:
- 1¼ cup chocolate chips (can use milk, dark or semi-sweet)
- 2 Tbsp peanut butter
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Next, mix your peanut butter and honey together and pour it into a large bowl with your rice cereal. Mix the two together until the cereal is completely coated. Then press your cereal mixture into your prepared pan to form an even layer and set it aside.
- Next, heat the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter together in the microwave at 30 second intervals until the chocolate is completely melted. (Mine usually takes 60-90 seconds.) Then pour the chocolate over your cereal layer and place the pan in the fridge until the chocolate has set.
- Cut and serve immediately.
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