No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars

These No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars are a rich, satisfying treat featuring a crisp, textured base topped with a smooth chocolate layer. Made with simple ingredients and zero oven time, they’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth without much effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars offer the perfect balance of textures — a crunchy, slightly chewy base and a silky chocolate topping. They’re quick to prepare, easy to store, and versatile for customizing with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner treat or a no-fuss dessert to share, this recipe delivers indulgence with minimal work.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Crushed biscuits or graham crackers
  • Butter (melted)
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Cocoa powder (optional, for the base)
  • Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • Peanut butter or nut butter
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts, coconut flakes, sea salt

directions

  1. Line a square or rectangular pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix crushed biscuits with melted butter, honey (or syrup), and cocoa powder if using. Stir until the mixture holds together.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan to form an even layer.
  4. In a heatproof bowl, melt chocolate and peanut butter together until smooth (using a microwave or double boiler).
  5. Pour the chocolate mixture over the biscuit base, spreading it evenly.
  6. Add any toppings, such as crushed nuts or sea salt, before the chocolate sets.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm.
  8. Slice into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

  • Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter or omit nut butter entirely.
  • Fruit & Nut Bars: Mix in chopped dried fruits and chopped almonds into the base.
  • Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut to the base or sprinkle on top.
  • Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate topping.
  • Oatmeal Base: Substitute part of the crushed biscuit with quick oats for added texture.

storage/reheating

  • Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a single layer or with parchment between layers for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: No reheating required. Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers?

Yes, any plain, crisp biscuit works well in the base.

What type of chocolate is best for the topping?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for balanced sweetness, but milk chocolate is also suitable.

Do I have to use nut butter?

Nut butter helps the topping set and adds creaminess, but it can be substituted with coconut oil or omitted.

How do I make the base stick together better?

Make sure the biscuits are finely crushed and fully coated in the butter mixture. Press firmly into the pan.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter substitutes.

How long do they take to set in the fridge?

About 1 hour, but for cleaner slices, refrigerate for 2 hours or more.

Can I use honey and peanut butter as the only binding agents?

Yes, they provide sufficient structure and sweetness for a no-bake recipe.

Are these suitable for kids?

Absolutely. They’re sweet, easy to chew, and fun to help prepare.

Do these travel well?

Yes, though it’s best to keep them cool during transport to avoid melting.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch.

Conclusion

No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars are a simple yet indulgent dessert that delivers on both flavor and texture. With minimal ingredients and zero oven time, they’re ideal for casual snacking or special occasions. Keep a batch in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy a sweet bite whenever the craving strikes.

Print
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No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars

No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars are a quick and easy treat made with chocolate, nut butter, and crispy rice cereal. Perfect for when you need a sweet, crunchy dessert without using the oven.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
  • 3 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother texture)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring until smooth.
  3. Stir in coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt (if using).
  4. Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press down evenly.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
  7. Remove from the pan and cut into bars. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use dairy-free chocolate and nut butter for a vegan version.
  • For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or seeds.
  • Bars can be stored in the freezer for longer shelf life.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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