Every family has that one recipe tucked away in a well-worn notebook or passed along by word of mouth that brings everyone to the kitchen counter in quiet anticipation. For my family, that treat is Healthy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. Whether it was during long summers when the oven stayed off, or busy school mornings when breakfast was a grab-and-go affair, these bars were always waiting in the fridge—cold, chewy, and endlessly satisfying.
The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity and their unmistakable texture: a satisfying crunch from crispy rice cereal and a rich, creamy blend of peanut butter and melted chocolate. They remind many of us of childhood snack bars, but this version comes without the additives or preservatives, and it’s fully plant-based and gluten-free.
It’s also a recipe tied to tradition. I remember my grandmother making a similar dessert with pantry staples, pressing it into wax paper-lined pans with care. When I reimagined this treat in a healthier way—no baking, just real ingredients—it felt like a tribute to those memories, to her quiet strength, and to the small joys that homemade sweets bring.
Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, holiday platters, or cozy weekends with a good book and hot cocoa, these bars offer that rare balance: indulgent but wholesome, nostalgic yet modern. So whether you’re making them with kids or preparing a snack stash for yourself, they’re a delightful way to connect the past with the present.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required – Ideal for hot days or when you’re short on time.
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free – Made with accessible, wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable – Easily swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter.
- Satisfyingly crunchy and rich – Perfect pairing of crispy cereal and creamy chocolate.
- Freezer-friendly and portable – Great for snacks, road trips, and meal prep.
Healthy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Description
Every family has that one recipe tucked away in a well-worn notebook or passed along by word of mouth that brings everyone to the kitchen counter in quiet anticipation. For my family, that treat is Healthy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. Whether it was during long summers when the oven stayed off, or busy school mornings when breakfast was a grab-and-go affair, these bars were always waiting in the fridge—cold, chewy, and endlessly satisfying.
The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity and their unmistakable texture: a satisfying crunch from crispy rice cereal and a rich, creamy blend of peanut butter and melted chocolate. They remind many of us of childhood snack bars, but this version comes without the additives or preservatives, and it’s fully plant-based and gluten-free.
It’s also a recipe tied to tradition. I remember my grandmother making a similar dessert with pantry staples, pressing it into wax paper-lined pans with care. When I reimagined this treat in a healthier way—no baking, just real ingredients—it felt like a tribute to those memories, to her quiet strength, and to the small joys that homemade sweets bring.
Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, holiday platters, or cozy weekends with a good book and hot cocoa, these bars offer that rare balance: indulgent but wholesome, nostalgic yet modern. So whether you’re making them with kids or preparing a snack stash for yourself, they’re a delightful way to connect the past with the present.
Ingredients
3 cups crispy rice cereal
1 ½ cups dairy-free chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter (or preferred nut/seed butter)
½ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang for easy lifting later. This will ensure clean removal and minimal sticking.
Step 2: Mix the dry base
Pour the crispy rice cereal into a large mixing bowl. Choose a bowl large enough to allow for easy stirring once the wet ingredients are added.
Step 3: Melt the chocolate mixture
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat (or using a microwave in 20-second intervals), combine chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir consistently until smooth, glossy, and fully melted.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the crispy rice cereal. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring every grain of cereal is coated.
Step 5: Press and chill
Transfer the coated mixture into your prepared pan. Press down firmly using a second sheet of parchment or the back of a spoon. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or in the freezer for 30 minutes until fully set.
Step 6: Slice and serve
Remove the slab from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into even bars or squares and enjoy. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for longer freshness.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for doubling. Just use a 9×13-inch pan and extend chilling time slightly. Great for parties, potlucks, or stocking the freezer with grab-and-go snacks.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 ½ cups dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or preferred nut/seed butter)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil
How to Make Healthy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang for easy lifting later. This will ensure clean removal and minimal sticking.
Step 2: Mix the dry base
Pour the crispy rice cereal into a large mixing bowl. Choose a bowl large enough to allow for easy stirring once the wet ingredients are added.
Step 3: Melt the chocolate mixture
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat (or using a microwave in 20-second intervals), combine chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir consistently until smooth, glossy, and fully melted.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the crispy rice cereal. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring every grain of cereal is coated.
Step 5: Press and chill
Transfer the coated mixture into your prepared pan. Press down firmly using a second sheet of parchment or the back of a spoon. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or in the freezer for 30 minutes until fully set.
Step 6: Slice and serve
Remove the slab from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into even bars or squares and enjoy. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for longer freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, crispy cereal: Stale cereal will affect the texture.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper: It makes removal and cleanup much easier.
- Slice cleanly: Run your knife under warm water before slicing for smooth, non-crumbling bars.
- Customize: Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra twist.
- Make nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter to keep them school-safe.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes (melting only)
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 bars
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Notes
This recipe is perfect for doubling. Just use a 9×13-inch pan and extend chilling time slightly. Great for parties, potlucks, or stocking the freezer with grab-and-go snacks.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar – Approximate)
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cereal?
Yes! Gluten-free cornflakes or quinoa crisps work well.
What’s the best way to store these?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Can I use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely. Choose any nut or seed butter with a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Wrap each bar in parchment and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 6 months.
- Room Temperature: Safe for a few hours, but texture is best when chilled.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
Healthy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are more than just a snack. They’re a connection to comfort, a quick answer to sweet cravings, and a joy to make and share. Whether you’re indulging in one with coffee or wrapping them up for loved ones, these bars always deliver. Keep them chilled and close—you’ll want one more bite.