Description
Indulgent homemade crunch bars blend rich chocolate with crispy rice cereal, creating a nostalgic treat that whisks you back to childhood snack times. Crunchy, sweet, and impossibly simple, these bars satisfy chocolate cravings with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup rice krispies
Additional Ingredients:
- Flaked sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and easy bar removal.
- Select a microwave-safe bowl and combine chocolate chips with peanut butter, creating a smooth base for the crunch bars.
- Microwave the chocolate-peanut butter mixture in short 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each heating cycle until completely melted and glossy.
- Gently fold rice krispies into the liquid chocolate mixture, ensuring each cereal piece is evenly coated and distributed throughout.
- Transfer the chocolatey mixture into the prepared parchment-lined pan, using a spatula to spread the contents uniformly and create an even surface.
- Optional: Sprinkle a delicate layer of flaked sea salt across the top for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Place the pan in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the bars to solidify and develop a crisp texture.
- Once completely set, lift the parchment paper and remove the entire block from the pan.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the block into 8 equal-sized rectangular bars, creating clean and precise edges.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future enjoyment.
Notes
- Parchment paper ensures clean, effortless bar removal without sticky residue.
- Microwave melting requires gentle, patient intervals to prevent chocolate scorching and maintain smooth texture.
- Stirring consistently helps distribute rice krispies evenly, creating perfect crunch in every bite.
- Sea salt optional topping adds delightful flavor complexity and gourmet touch to homemade treat.
- For gluten-free version, confirm rice krispies are certified gluten-free.
- Store bars in airtight container in freezer up to two weeks for convenient snacking.
- Experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate variations for different flavor profiles.
- Use natural peanut butter for cleaner ingredient list and reduced added sugars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Melting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 146 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 3.2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg