Healthy Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Recipe
These Healthy Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are a delicious no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, sweetened quinoa puffed cereal, and a delightful drizzle of dairy-free white or dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, they are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite cereal and chocolate options.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Main Ingredients
- ⅓ cup agave syrup or maple syrup (can use sugar-free maple syrup if desired)
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 – 3 ½ cups sweetened quinoa puffed cereal or any cereal like rice krispies, Chex, Cheerios, etc.
- 1 cup dairy-free white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips/bar
- Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Melt the coconut oil and pour it into a large bowl. Add agave or maple syrup and creamy peanut butter, mixing well until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Cereal: Add the sweetened quinoa puffed cereal to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every piece of cereal evenly with the peanut butter mixture.
- Press Mixture: Transfer the coated cereal mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the freezer for about 10 minutes to help the bars set.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the dairy-free white or dark chocolate chips by heating in 30-second bursts. Stir between each session until the chocolate is just melted and smooth, being careful not to burn it.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Using a tablespoon, large spoon, or a pastry bag, drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the set cereal layer evenly.
- Set the Bars: Place the baking dish in the fridge or freezer and allow the chocolate peanut butter mixture to set for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Chill Until Firm: Once the topping is set, keep the bars in the fridge for an additional 30 minutes or until solid enough to cut and maintain a crunchy texture.
- Serve: When ready, slice the bars into desired sizes and enjoy. Store remaining bars in the fridge to keep them firm and fresh.
Notes
- For easier removal, lining the pan with parchment paper is recommended.
- You can customize the cereal type depending on your preference and dietary needs.
- Use dairy-free chocolate options to keep the bars vegan and lactose-free.
- These bars are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain crunchiness and prevent melting.
Keywords: peanut butter bars, no bake bars, healthy snack, vegan dessert, quinoa cereal bars, dairy-free chocolate, peanut butter snack