Sweet, salty, crunchy, and satisfying—with no oven required!
These no-bake bars combine creamy peanut butter, crunchy cereal, and a rich chocolate topping. They’re quick to make, freezer-friendly, and made with better-for-you ingredients. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
🛠️ Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Small heatproof bowl (for chocolate topping)
📝 Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal (e.g., brown rice crisp cereal)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or coconut oil (for smoothness)
🍴 Ingredient Notes:
- Peanut butter: Use natural with no added sugar or hydrogenated oils.
- Maple syrup: Substitute with honey or a keto-friendly sweetener like allulose syrup.
- Rice cereal: For gluten-free, check the label. For keto, try crushed pork rinds or a low-carb cereal like Magic Spoon.
⏱️ Prep Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Makes: 16 squares
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base
In a saucepan over low heat (or in the microwave), melt together the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
2. Add Cereal
Gently fold in crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
3. Press into Pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom in an even layer.
4. Make Chocolate Topping
Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter (or coconut oil) together in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
5. Spread & Chill
Pour chocolate topping over the base and spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.
6. Slice & Enjoy
Remove from pan, cut into squares, and enjoy chilled or at room temp!
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Square, approx.)
- Calories: ~170
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugars: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
💡 Tips:
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate and maple syrup.
- Make it keto: Use unsweetened peanut butter, sugar-free chocolate, and keto-friendly syrup + cereal.
- For firmer bars: Freeze instead of refrigerating.
- Customize it: Add a handful of chopped nuts, chia seeds, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
🔄 Variations:
- Almond Joy style: Swap peanut butter for almond butter and add coconut flakes.
- S’mores version: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
- Protein boost: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder to the base mixture.
