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    Home » All Recipes » Dessert

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

    April 6, 2024 By Melissa Huggins / 6 Comments

    This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

    Jump to Recipe
    sliced crunch bars on cutting board.
    chocolate bars on cutting board.

    Satisfy your sweet tooth with these irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars! They are easy to make and the perfect treat for any occasion.

    If you're looking for a sweet treat that's easy and fun to make, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars should be in your future. You'll go crazy for the salty-sweet combination of chocolate and peanut butter fusion.

    The flavor combo is reminiscent of my vegan chocolate peanut butter cups but with an added crunch from the rice cereal. So good!

    And the best part? You don't need any fancy equipment to make them. Just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time are all it takes to create pure dessert bliss.

    Ingredients Needed

    It takes just 7 ingredients to put these bars together. Here's what you'll need:

    ingredients to make the peanut butter bars on a stone table top.
    • Crispy Rice Cereal - I used Nature's Path but any variety will work.
    • Brown Rice Syrup - This holds everything together perfectly and has a delicious caramel undertone flavor. Maple syrup or agave can be used but the bars won't hold together the same. Still delicious though!
    • Brown Sugar - You can use regular cane sugar instead.
    • Creamy Peanut Butter - I used a no-stir variety. Make sure your peanut butter isn't dried up or crumbly.
    • Cocoa Powder - Cacao powder works nicely too.
    • Vanilla Extract - This is optional but recommended.
    • Vegan Chocolate Chips - I used Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips. Any variety will work though.

    How to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

    four process photos displaying how to melt the sugar and peanut butter in a pot and pouting onto the rice cereal.
    1. Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
    2. Pour rice cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
    3. Combine the brown rice syrup and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring well. It will be thick like paste, but turns to liquid as it warms. Cook until bubbly, about 2-3 minutes, stirring often with a spatula, then remove from heat. Immediately add ¾ cup peanut butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
    4. Pour the mixture over the rice cereal.
    Four process photos demonstrating how to mix the cereal and chocolate mixture and setting in a pan.
    1. Gently fold together using a spatula until it’s well-coated.
    2. Transfer the cereal mixture to your prepared pan. Press it down firmly into an even layer using a spatula.
    3. Add the chocolate chips and peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments until melted and smooth. Stir each time.
    4. Pour it over the cereal mixture and spread it into an even layer. Tap the pan a few times to even out the chocolate coating. Sprinkle with peanuts and chocolate chips to decorate if preferred. Place the pan in the refrigerator to cool for 30-60 minutes until the chocolate is set.

    Storing

    Store in an airtight container at room temp for 5-7 days. You can also freeze them for 2-3 months. Wrap well and store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag.

    FAQs

    Are they gluten-free?

    Yes, the ingredients used to make these crunch bars are all gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels for gluten-free certification.

    Can I use natural peanut butter?

    Yes, natural peanut butter can be used too. Make sure to stir it well before using it.

    Can I use a different nut butter?

    Absolutely! You can use other nut butter varieties such as almond, sunflower, cashew, pecan, etc. Just note that the bars will have a different flavor profile, but they will still be delicious!

    sliced peanut butter crunch bars on a cutting board.

    More sweet treats to enjoy

    • Vegan Chocolate Frosting
    • Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
    • Vegan Coconut Cake
    • Vegan Chocolate Cake

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  rating and sharing your feedback in the comment section below. It would make my day!

    ⭐️ Subscribe to the Vegan Huggs Newsletter and receive weekly recipes straight to your inbox! You'll also receive my FREE eCookbook featuring my top 10 recipes. 

    Recipe

    chocolate peanut butter crunch bars on a cutting board.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    5 from 4 votes

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

    Satisfy your sweet tooth with these irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars! They are easy to make and the perfect treat for any occasion.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Chilling Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Vegan
    Servings: 12 people
    Calories: 286kcal
    Author: Melissa Huggins

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups rice crisp cereal
    • ½ cup brown rice syrup
    • ¼ cup light brown sugar
    • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (low sodium if preferred)
    • ¼ cup cocoa powder
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

    Top Layer

    • ¾ cup mini chocolate chips + more for optional topping
    • ½ cup creamy peanut butter (low sodium if preferred)
    • Chopped Peanuts (optional)

    Recommended Equipment

    • 1 8x8 Square Baking Dish
    • Parchment Paper
    • Baking Spatula
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
    • Pour rice cereal into a large bowl and set aside. 
    • Combine the brown rice syrup and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring well. It will be thick like paste, but turns to liquid as it warms. Cook until bubbly, about 2-3 minutes, stirring often with a spatula, then remove from heat. Immediately add ¾ cup peanut butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
    • Pour the mixture over the rice cereal and gently fold together using a spatula until it’s well-coated. The mixture will be thick and may seem like it won't cover the cereal, but keep stirring, it will be enough. 
    • Transfer the cereal mixture to your prepared pan. Press it down firmly into an even layer using a spatula.
    • Add the chocolate chips and ½ cup of peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments until melted and smooth. Stir each time.
    • Pour it over the cereal mixture and spread it into an even layer. Tap the pan a few times to even out the chocolate coating. Sprinkle with peanuts and chocolate chips to decorate if preferred. Place the pan in the refrigerator to cool for 30-60 minutes until the chocolate is set.
    • To cut, pull up each side of the parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temp for 5-7 days. You can also freeze them for 2-3 months. 

    Notes

    • If using unsalted peanut butter, add ½ teaspoon of salt to the saucepan ingredients. 
    • Brown rice syrup is not only delicious, it's also the 'glue' that holds everything together perfectly. You can use agave nectar or maple syrup but the bars can fall apart. Still delicious though!
    • See the post above for step-by-step photos, extra tips, and FAQs

    Nutrition

    Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 188mg | Sugar: 19g
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    About Melissa

    I’m Melissa Huggins – the creator of Vegan Huggs. I started this blog to share delicious vegan recipes that everyone will love. Yep, that includes carnivores, too! Read more...

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Beth

      May 07, 2024 at 2:15 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! I didn't have brown rice syrup or maple syrup on hand so I made them with.molasses. They held together perfectly and taste really good, but I think brown rice syrup would be even better. Super easy to make.

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        May 07, 2024 at 6:19 pm

        Hi Beth, I'm so glad you loved them and they worked well with the molasses. Thank you for trying them and sharing your modifications. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Misty

      January 24, 2022 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      Super easy and yummy 🙂

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        January 25, 2022 at 8:46 am

        Thank you, Misty! Appreciate the feedback. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Gloria Moffit

      August 26, 2017 at 6:30 am

      Thanks Melissa! ...all I need is the rice cereal, my Saturday movie nights looking even better now. Who needs popcorn? X

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        August 26, 2017 at 9:42 am

        You're welcome, Gloria! I love Saturday night movie snacks. Have a great time! Thank you for stopping by 🙂

        Reply

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