Description

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Treats are an easy and delicious dessert or snack option perfect for peanut butter lovers. Combining creamy peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, crispy rice cereal, and crunchy pretzels, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. With an optional rich chocolate topping, they are no-bake and simple to prepare, setting in the fridge to become firm and ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Mix

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups crispy rice cereal
1/2 cup crushed pretzels
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Chocolate Topping

1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (for melting chocolate)

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Instructions

Prepare the peanut butter mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and honey or maple syrup, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. This creates a sticky, sweet base that will help bind all other ingredients together.
Add flavorings and salt: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the overall taste and balance the sweetness.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Gently fold the crispy rice cereal and crushed pretzels into the peanut butter mixture until everything is evenly coated and mixed well, providing the signature crunch in each bite.
Press mixture into pan: Transfer the combined mixture into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Firmly press down the mixture to create an even layer that will hold together as bars once set.
Optional chocolate topping: If desired, melt the chocolate chips together with the coconut oil in the microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Pour this melted chocolate evenly over the pressed bars and spread to cover the surface.
Chill to set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 1 hour or until the bars are firm enough to cut into squares.
Serve: Once chilled and set, cut the mixture into 16 squares and enjoy your crunchy, sweet, and salty no-bake bars.

Notes

Add chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra texture and flavor contrast.
Store these bars in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
For longer storage, freeze the bars and thaw before serving.
Ensure the pretzels and cereal used are certified gluten-free if gluten-free dietary compliance is desired.