Crispy, chewy, and chocolatey — these easy no-bake bars come together in minutes for a quick and satisfying treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No oven required

• Quick to prepare with simple ingredients

• Perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or afternoon snacks

• Combines sweet, salty, and crunchy in one bite

• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats

Ingredients

→ Base

• 2 cups crispy rice cereal

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Topping

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Calories: ~210 kcal per bar

Directions

Step 1: Heat Wet Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter, honey, and butter. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until smooth and melted.

Step 2: Add Vanilla

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine with Cereal

In a large bowl, pour the warm mixture over the crispy rice cereal. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Press into Pan

Press the mixture firmly into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.

Step 6: Drizzle and Chill

Drizzle melted chocolate evenly over the bars. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once firm, slice into bars and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture

• Swap honey with maple syrup or agave if preferred

• Add a pinch of sea salt over the top for contrast

• Stir in mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for fun add-ins

• Store in the fridge up to 1 week or freeze up to 2 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Any creamy nut or seed butter works—almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter are great options.

Can I skip the chocolate topping?
You can, though the chocolate adds a nice finishing touch. Try mixing chocolate chips into the base instead.

Do these bars hold up at room temperature?
They’re best served chilled. At room temp for too long, they may become too soft or sticky.

How do I keep them from crumbling?
Press the mixture firmly into the pan and chill completely before slicing.

Final Thoughts

These no-bake homemade crunch bars are the ultimate easy dessert. With just a few pantry staples and no oven time, you get a rich, chewy, chocolate-topped treat that everyone will love!