No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

These bars are quick, crunchy, chocolatey, and require no oven.

Ingredients

For the crunch layer

• 2 cups (50–60 g) crispy rice cereal

• ¾ cup (190 g) creamy peanut butter

• ⅓ cup (115 g) honey

• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the chocolate topping

• 1½ cups (255 g) chocolate chips

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or coconut oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch (20-cm) square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.

2. Make the peanut-butter mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, warm the peanut butter, honey, and butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla and salt.

3. Add the crunch: Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.

4. Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer.

5. Add chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or coconut oil, stirring until smooth. Spread over the base.

6. Chill: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until firm.

7. Cut: Lift the slab out using the parchment and cut into bars or squares.

Easy variations

• Add chopped peanuts for extra crunch.

• Sprinkle the chocolate layer with flaky sea salt.

• Use dark chocolate for a less-sweet version.

• Stir mini chocolate chips into the crunch layer after the peanut-butter mixture has cooled slightly.

Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to about a week.