🍫 Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
🕒 Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Makes: 16 bars
🧾 Ingredients:
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1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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¼ cup honey or maple syrup
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2½ cups crisped rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
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1½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
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1 tbsp peanut butter (for the chocolate topping)
🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Base:
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In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt peanut butter, butter, and honey together. Stir until smooth.
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Remove from heat and gently fold in the crisped rice cereal until fully coated.
2. Press into Pan:
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Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper.
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Press the mixture into the pan evenly using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased or damp to prevent sticking).
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Chill in the fridge while you prepare the topping.
3. Make the Chocolate Topping:
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Melt chocolate chips and 1 tbsp peanut butter together in a microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
4. Top & Chill:
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Pour melted chocolate mixture over the base and smooth it out.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until set.
5. Slice & Serve:
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Once firm, cut into squares or bars.
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Store in the fridge for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
📝 Variations & Add-Ins:
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Stir in ¼ cup chopped salted peanuts for extra crunch.
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Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version.
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Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before chilling.