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About This Recipe
Sometimes simple is just best and these four-ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are just that! Seriously, these bars are so easy to make with 4 staple ingredients (or 3 if you omit the collagen powder) and tastes absolutely decedent! They’re crispy, chocolately, have just the right amount of peanut butter flavor and the best texture! One of my favorite sweet treats!
You’ll also notice the secret ingredient (collagen peptides!) that gives these no bake chocolate peanut butter crunch bars some added protein and nutritional benefits! Collagen peptides are great for improving skin and hair health and joint pain! There’s also a ton of additional benefits so check it out if you haven’t already. If you don’t have collagen peptides on hand, you can easily swap for your favorite protein powder or just omit all together!
These bars are absolutely delicious and will definitely be on the regular rotation! And if easy desserts are your thing, don’t miss these Easy Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars, Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites or my Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
- Only require FOUR simple ingredients to make!
- Such an easy treat to make in 10 minutes or less!
- Kids and adults will love these healthier treats!
- The best no-bake sweet treat with the perfect crunch! Plus, they freeze great but you’ll probably eat the whole batch!
- Homemade crunch bars easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free or nut-free!
- Chocolate chips – I used dark chocolate chips (I love Enjoy Life) for this recipe but you can use milk or semi-sweet if you prefer!
- Peanut butter
- Crunchy cereal – like Rice Krispies, puffed rice, any small crispy rice cereal
- Protein powder – use collagen peptides or protein powder (my favorite brand is PEScience, use code Laurenfitfoodie to save) to help increase protein! You can also just omit.
- Use a mix of chocolate chips! Use a combination of milk and dark chocolate or semi-sweet chips. You can also throw some white chips or butterscotch chips in there.
- Crunchy peanut butter! Use crunchy peanut butter if you want additional crunch for these bars.
- Switch up the nut butter! Use almond butter or cashew butter for a delicious treat.
- Mix up your cereal! Swap the rice cereal for cornflakes or other crispy cereal.
- Add extra mix ins! You can add extra flavor like more chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, peanuts, sprinkles, etc.
- Add honey or extra sweetener! Like things extra sweet? Add 1-2 Tbsp of honey or maple syrup to your peanut butter and chocolate for an even sweeter taste.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a large microwave safe bowl in 30-second increments at 70% power, stirring in between, until melted.
2. Stir in the collagen peptides, then stir in the crunchy cereal.
3. Transfer to a 8-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes then slice and enjoy!
Store these peanut butter crunch bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container or large Ziplock bag.
You can also freeze these crunch bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly then place in freezer-safe bag. I like to let mine thaw for 5-10 minutes at room temperature before eating!
Make Individual Peanut Butter Crunch Cups!
Use a silicone muffin pan to make individual peanut butter crunch cups! Just fill each cup with the cereal mixture, refrigerate for 30 minute (or until solidified), pop out from tray and enjoy!
What type of chocolate is best for the chocolate peanut butter crunch bars?
I love the taste of dark chocolate for these bars but you can really use any type of chocolate you prefer! You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate or a combination of any of the three! Use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free!
Do I have to add the protein powder?
No, you can omit the collagen or protein powder if you wish. Adding collagen peptides is just a really easy way to increase protein and add in extra nutritional benefits without changing the taste! Or you can use your favorite chocolate flavored protein powder for an extra chocolately goodness!
What type of peanut butter works best?
I like using regular creamy smooth peanut butter for this recipe! I found the creamier (less drippy) peanut butter actually works better for this recipe but seriously any peanut butter or nut butter will work! If you want to add in extra crunch, use crunchy peanut butter or mix it up with cashew or almond butter. You can also make this recipe nut-free by using sunflower seed butter!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars (Only 4 Ingredients!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (240g)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (120g)
- 3 cups crunchy cereal (80g) like Rice Krispies, puffed rice, any small crunchy cereal
- 1/4 cup collagen peptides or protein powder (30g) can omit
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Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a large microwave safe bowl at 70% power, stirring in between, until melted.
- Stir in the collagen peptides, then stir in the crunchy cereal.
- Transfer to a 8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes then slice and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
