Can I make Homemade Crunch Bars without peanut butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you want a nut-free version. The key is to use a thick, creamy texture so your Homemade Crunch Bars still hold together perfectly. Sunflower seed butter also gives a slightly toasted flavor that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.

How do I keep my Homemade Crunch Bars from melting?

Since these bars rely on natural nut butter and chocolate, they’ll soften if left out too long in warm weather. Store them in the fridge or freezer for the best texture — they’ll stay crisp and delicious. If you plan to pack them for the day, wrap each bar in parchment and keep in an insulated lunch bag with a small ice pack.

Can I add protein powder to these Homemade Crunch Bars?

Yes! It’s a great way to boost nutrition. Add one scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder while mixing the melted chocolate and nut butter. Just reduce the rice cereal slightly to maintain the crunchy texture. This turns the bars into an even more satisfying post-workout snack.

Are Homemade Crunch Bars gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free when you choose the right ingredients. Use certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal and dairy-free dark chocolate. They taste exactly like the original candy bar but without the refined sugar or additives, making them a clean and satisfying treat for any diet.

4-Ingredient Homemade Crunch Bars | Easy, Delicious, Vegan

Name: 4-Ingredient Homemade Crunch Bars | Easy, Delicious, Vegan
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (vegan or dairy-free); ½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter); 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey); 2 cups puffed rice cereal (gluten-free if needed)

4-Ingredient Homemade Crunch Bars | Easy, Delicious, Vegan

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These 4-Ingredient Homemade Crunch Bars are a quick, no-bake treat that delivers everything you love about classic candy bars — crispy, chocolatey, and perfectly sweet — but made with real, wholesome ingredients. Ready in just 5 minutes, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and naturally dairy-free.

Author: Sophie Bennett - Top Choice Recipes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (vegan or dairy-free)
½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
2 cups puffed rice cereal (gluten-free if needed)

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Instructions

Melt chocolate & nut butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
Add sweetener: Stir in maple syrup until fully combined.
Stirring puffed rice into glossy melted chocolate for homemade crunch bars.
Fold in cereal: Gently add the puffed rice cereal and mix until each piece is evenly coated in chocolate.
Set the bars: Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan and spread evenly.
Spreading chocolate puffed rice mixture evenly into a parchment-lined pan.
Chill: Refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 25 minutes) until firm.
Slice & enjoy: Cut into bars or squares. Store in the fridge or freezer for best texture.

Notes

For extra crunch, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or crushed nuts.
Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before chilling for a gourmet touch.
These bars store well for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 190
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 45 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://www.topchoicerecipes.com/4-ingredient-homemade-crunch-bars/