No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are perfect for an after-school snack. Not only are they loved by kids, they are easy enough for the kids to make themselves. No baking is required, and there are minimal ingredients. How easy is that!

These bars would also make a great addition to the next annual Halloween BOO-ffet. You can make these up to a week ahead; just cover the pan with plastic wrap and store at room temperature until ready to serve. You can also Sprinkle them with Halloween Sprinkles before the topping sets.

This recipe is from my busy friend Jenny C., who gets many requests to bring these bars to parties and get-togethers; everybody loves them. Jenny always heats the peanut butter mixture on the stove, but I found that it’s quicker to do it in the microwave; clean-up’s easier too. You can choose the method that’s most convenient for you.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

48 Squares or Bars

2 tablespoons butter, divided

2 cups light corn syrup
2 cups sugar
2 cups peanut butter

12 cups crisp rice cereal, or Special K

4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1. Smear 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter over the bottom of a 17 x 11" jellyroll pan; set aside.
2. Place the corn syrup, sugar, and peanut butter in a microwaveable glass bowl; microwave 2 minutes.
3. Remove from the microwave and stir until the peanut butter is melted.
4. Return the mixture to the microwave and cook for an additional minute.
5. Remove from the microwave and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Alternatively, the mixture can be prepared in a saucepan over the stove, stirring over medium heat constantly until the peanut butter and sugar are dissolved.
6. Meanwhile spray a large bowl with non-stick spray.
7. Measure the crisp rice cereal or Special K into the bowl.
8. When the peanut butter mixture is finished, pour it over the cereal and mix well.
9. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, use the remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter to coat hands, and press the mixture evenly in the pan.
10. Measure the chocolate chips and heavy cream into a microwaveable cup or bowl; microwave 2 minutes.
11. Remove from the microwave, let sit 5 minutes, and then stir until the chocolate is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
12. Spread evenly over the bars.
13. When set, cut into 48 bars.

Note: To speed up setting, place in the freezer or refrigerator for a few minutes.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 278 Calories from Fat 109
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 39% Protein 4% Carb. 56%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 5 mg
Sodium 86 mg
Total Carbohydrate 39 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 8 g
Protein 3 g

Vitamin A 7% Vitamin C 5% Calcium 0% Iron 6%