Ingredients
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal: Provides the crunchy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips: Use semisweet or milk chocolate based on your preference for sweetness.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Can be substituted with any nut or seed butter such as almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to cater to allergies.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and binds the ingredients. Honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil: This can be replaced with grass-fed butter if preferred; it helps in setting the mixture.
Equipment Needed
- 8 x 8-inch baking dish or a similar deep baking tray.
- Parchment paper.
- Large mixing bowl.
- Microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan for stovetop melting.
- Whisk or a spoon for mixing.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized deep baking tray with parchment paper. Ensure the paper extends over the edges slightly; this makes it easier to lift out the bars once set.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Place the crispy rice cereal in a large mixing bowl. This bowl should be big enough to allow for easy mixing without spilling.
- Melt the Wet Ingredients:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop using a small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
- If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. This typically takes about 1.5 to 2 minutes total.
- On the stovetop, melt the ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the crispy rice cereal. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece of cereal is evenly coated.
- Set the Bars:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread and press down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the bars are compact and even.
- Refrigerate the dish for at least one hour or until the mixture is firm and set.
- Cut and Serve:
- Lift the set mixture out of the dish using the edges of the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares as desired.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Tips
- For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in a handful of chopped nuts or seeds with the crispy rice cereal.
- If you prefer a softer bar, reduce the refrigeration time slightly.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade crunch bars that are perfect for a quick snack or a treat without the need for baking!
