Chocolate Crunch Bars from Scratch
These Homemade Crunch Bars offer a wholesome spin on a nostalgic favorite. A silky blend of dark chocolate, nutty peanut butter, and pure maple syrup forms a rich, fudgy coating that wraps around crisp rice cereal for that unmistakable crunch. Free from corn syrup and artificial additives, these bars deliver all the classic flavor with cleaner, more simple ingredients.
Homemade Crunch Bars
Ingredients
THE CRUNCH
- Crispy rice cereal — 3 cups
THE CHOCOLATE BASE
- Chocolate chips — 1½ cups
- Peanut butter (or nut/seed butter) — 1 cup
- Maple syrup — ½ cup
- Coconut oil (or grass-fed butter) — ¼ cup
How to Make Homemade Crunch Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan (or similar size) with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang on the sides to make removal easy once set.
Step 2: Measure the Cereal
Add the crispy rice cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Warm gently, stirring frequently, until completely melted and smooth. Whisk until the mixture looks glossy and uniform.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Fold carefully until all of the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 5: Press and Chill
Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer using the back of a spoon or a sheet of parchment. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Step 6: Cut and Store
Lift the set mixture from the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into bars or squares. Keep refrigerated to maintain their firm texture and satisfying crunch.
