Description
These No-Bake Crunch Bars are a quick, easy, and satisfying snack that combines crunchy textures with a touch of natural sweetness. Perfect for busy days, without requiring an oven, they are customizable, kid-friendly, and ideal for anytime energy boosts or post-workout bites.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup nut butter (such as peanut, almond, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins (Optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips, dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, chopped dates), or shredded coconut
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional for protein boost)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars once set.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) together for 20-30 seconds until smoothly combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the crispy rice cereal with chopped nuts, seeds, and any optional mix-ins evenly for a great texture.
- Blend Wet and Dry: Pour the warm nut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or spatula, ensuring every piece of cereal is coated.
- Press and Chill: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly using the back of a spatula or your hands to compact the bars. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the set bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares. Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan for bars that hold their shape well after chilling.
- Choose creamy nut butters for even coating and better texture.
- Optionally toast nuts for enhanced flavor before mixing them in.
- Refrigeration is essential to achieve the perfect firmness.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain crunch and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg