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Introduction
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a homemade treat that requires no baking at all. These No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars are the perfect solution for a quick sweet fix, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors with minimal effort. They come together in mere minutes, making them an ideal project for a busy week, a fun activity with kids, or whenever a craving for something both chewy and crunchy strikes.
Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can easily customize it based on what you have in your pantry, ensuring a delicious and wholesome snack is never far away. The result is a perfectly sweet, salty, and satisfying bar that proves you don’t need to turn on your oven to create something truly delicious and memorable.
Instructions
Begin by preparing your pan. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper has some overhang on at least two opposite sides. This “sling” will be your best friend when it’s time to remove the set bars, making for a clean and easy release.
Next, create the binding mixture that will hold everything together. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the peanut butter and honey, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth, fluid, and well combined.
Once warmed through, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This step enhances the flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
For the final assembly, combine the crispy rice cereal, rolled oats, chocolate chips, and any optional nuts in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press it down very firmly and evenly using a spatula or your clean hands.
This firm pressing is crucial for ensuring the bars hold their shape once cut. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least one to two hours, or until completely firm. Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into your desired bar or square sizes and enjoy.
Ingredients
· 2 cups crispy rice cereal
· 1 cup rolled oats
· ½ cup peanut butter (or almond/cashew butter)
· ½ cup honey or maple syrup
· ½ cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
· ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional: almonds, peanuts, or walnuts)
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· Pinch of salt
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