Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!

You’ll be reminding yourself “not to ruin your dinner”, as good ol’ Mom would say, when you’ve got these easy-peasy and oh-so-addictive treats hanging around! With just five ingredients, these Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars won’t have you stuck in a hot kitchen all day. In fact, these babies are no-bake! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better.

Rich, thick chocolate envelopes the snap, crackle pop of one of your favorite childhood cereals, offering a crispy, crunchy sweet bite that you’ll find yourself sneaking back into the kitchen for.

Perfect for a sweet snack, if you have kids in the house, you may find yourself needing to get creative with storage. Try throwing them off the scent by utilizing packaging they are unlikely to investigate further. You already know how this game is played, you have a Girl Scout Cookie stash in the pantry.

If you’re the one who can’t be trusted around the sweets, then you might want to think twice before teaching yourself how to make this incredibly easy treat. Otherwise, you may find that you never truly run out of them, and that’s when you know addiction has set in. We’re sorry. And you’re welcome.

Ingredients

3 cups crispy rice cereal

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips non-dairy
1 cup peanut butter or nut or seed butter
1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil or vegan butter

Instructions

Prepare an 8 x 8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.
Put the crispy rice cereal in a large mixing bowl and set this aside too.

In a microwavable bowl, combine all the other ingredients. Heat until melted, around 1 to 2 minutes. Once melted, remove from microwave and whisk to combine well.
Pour the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the crispy rice cereal. Mix gently until combined.
Pour this into the prepared baking dish. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or until firm.