No-Bake Peanut Butter Chex Bars
Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy Chex cereal, and decadent chocolate with these no-bake bars. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The rich and creamy peanut butter combined with the crispy Chex cereal creates a delightful texture and flavor profile.
- This recipe requires minimal prep time and no baking, making it a quick and hassle-free option for satisfying your sweet cravings.
- These bars are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to have a tasty snack or dessert ready to enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the bars.
- Creamy peanut butter: Provides the rich and nutty flavor base.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Crispy rice cereal squares, such as Chex®: Adds crunch and texture.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into a smooth chocolate layer on top.
- Creamy peanut butter: Used for the chocolate topping.
- Butter: Helps the chocolate topping achieve a silky texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, combine honey, sugar, creamy peanut butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in crispy rice cereal squares until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into a lined baking dish to form an even layer.
- In a separate saucepan, melt semisweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal layer and spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, then cut into bars before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the cereal mixture.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Swap out the semisweet chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a spatula to press the cereal mixture firmly into the baking dish for a compact and even layer.
- Allow the chocolate topping to cool slightly before pouring over the cereal layer to prevent it from melting the bars.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Peanut Butter Chex Bars as a standalone treat or pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To maintain freshness, store the bars in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving. To reheat, microwave briefly or let them sit at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but the texture may vary slightly. - Can I substitute the honey with maple syrup?
Yes, maple syrup can be used as a sweetener alternative in this recipe. - How long do these bars last?
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. - Can I freeze the bars for later consumption?
Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion:
Unleash your inner chef and whip up a batch of these irresistible No-Bake Peanut Butter Chex Bars. With their delicious flavor and easy preparation, they are sure to become a favorite go-to treat for any occasion. Try this recipe today and share your feedback with us!
PrintNo-Bake Peanut Butter Chex Bars
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Chex Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the sweet and salty flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup honey
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal squares, such as Chex®
Chocolate Topping:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a saucepan, combine honey, sugar, peanut butter, and salt. Heat until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in cereal. Press into a pan.
- Make the Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Spread over the cereal base.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until set, then cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize these bars by adding nuts, dried fruit, or coconut to the cereal base.
- For a quicker set time, place the bars in the freezer instead of the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg