Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars

By Maria Lichty

Published on May 30, 2025

Quick Summary

These No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars are rich, crispy, and topped with a hint of flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet-and-salty bite. Made with melted chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy rice cereal, they come together in minutes and are ideal for storing in the fridge or freezer for whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

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1. No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars (Quick, Easy & Irresistible!)
2. Maria’s Tips for Perfect Bars
3. No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars Recipe
4. Frequently Asked Questions for This Recipe
5. More No-Bake Treat Recipes

No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars (Quick, Easy & Irresistible!)

Looking for a simple, sweet treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven? These No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars are your new go-to dessert.

I always like to have a little something sweet stashed away for an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night treat—and these bars are perfect for that. They’re quick to make, store beautifully in the fridge or freezer, and guarantee I’ve always got something ready when a chocolate craving hits. No baking, no fuss—just the kind of treat you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

These homemade crunch bars are SO much better than the store-bought candy bars. You still get that classic crispy-chocolate combo, but with much better flavor. Plus, they are made with basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, think chocolate chips, peanut butter, and crispy rice cereal.

The classic Crunch candy bars don’t have peanut butter, but I add it because peanut butter makes everything better…in my opinion.

Just melt, mix, eat a little spoonful for quality control, and then chill. Chilling is actually the hardest part, but don’t worry, you only have to freeze them for 15 minutes. It doesn’t take too long for them to set up.

Cut into squares and enter chocolate peanut butter heaven! Once you try them, you won’t miss the packaged version one bit!

Whether you’re craving a late-night snack, prepping school lunch treats, or need an easy crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, these crunchy chocolate bars are the answer. Bonus? They’re gluten-free (make sure you use gluten-free cereal), customizable, and freezer-friendly.

Maria’s Tips for Perfect Bars

• Don’t skip the coconut oil – It helps the chocolate set with a glossy finish.
• Use fresh crispy rice cereal – Stale cereal will affect the texture.
• Press firmly – Use a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture evenly into the pan.
• Customize it – Add mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for variety.
• Store smart – Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Bars

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars

Ingredients1x2x3x

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for sprinkling

Instructions

• Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can use an 8×8-inch pan.
• Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a large microwave safe bowl. Place in the microwave and heat in 30 second intervals until smooth.
• Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and flaky sea salt; stir until smooth. Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until well combined.
• Press mixture into an even layer into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Freeze for 15 minutes to set up.
• Use a sharp knife to cut into bars.

Notes

Nutrition

Have you tried this recipe?

Can I make these bars nut-free? Yes! If you’d prefer to skip the peanut butter, you can make these bars using just melted chocolate and crispy rice cereal. You’ll want to add an extra ½ to 1 cup of cereal to make up for the missing peanut butter and keep the bars from being too soft. They’ll be a little firmer and more like classic chocolate crunch candy bars—simple and delicious!

Are the bars gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use a cereal brand that is gluten-free, make sure you check the label!

What kind of chocolate works best? Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal for that rich, balanced flavor. Milk chocolate will work too, but the bars will be sweeter.

Can I use another type of cereal? You can try puffed quinoa or cornflakes, but crispy rice cereal gives the most classic texture.

How do I prevent the bars from crumbling? Make sure your chocolate mixture fully coats the cereal and press it firmly into the pan. Chilling it long enough also helps them set properly.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients. It’s perfect for parties or meal prep.

More No-Bake Treat Recipes

• No-Bake Cookies
• No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
• No Bake Monster Cookie Bars
• No Bake Almond Joy Bars
• Monster Cookie Energy Balls
• Rice Krispie Treats

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars

Recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod

Ingredients

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for sprinkling

Instructions

• Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can use an 8x8-inch pan.
• Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a large microwave safe bowl. Place in the microwave and heat in 30 second intervals until smooth.
• Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and flaky sea salt; stir until smooth. Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until well combined.
• Press mixture into an even layer into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Freeze for 15 minutes to set up.
• Use a sharp knife to cut into bars.

Notes

Nutrition