Choco-Peanut Crunch Bars
Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet and savory with these Choco-Peanut Crunch Bars! Loaded with crispy cereal, colorful M&M's, crunchy pretzels, and roasted peanuts, these bars deliver both texture and flavor in every bite. Coated in a luscious mixture of melted marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and buttery goodness, they're perfect for sharing at parties or simply enjoying as a tasty treat. Easy to make and completely irresistible, these bars are sure to become a family favorite!
12
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crispy rice cereal or corn cereal
3 cups (Choose one type of cereal.)
M&M's
1 1/2 cups (Use regular or mini-sized.)
Pretzel sticks
2 1/2 cups (Broken into smaller pieces.)
Salted peanuts
1 cup (Use roasted peanuts for added flavor.)
Marshmallows
5 cups (Use mini marshmallows for easier melting.)
Butter or margarine
1/4 cup (Cut into small pieces for easier melting.)
Creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup (Use your favorite creamy variety.)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the marshmallows, butter, and peanut butter over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Alternatively, melt the mixture in the microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
2
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the crispy cereal, M&M's, broken pretzel sticks, and salted peanuts. Mix them thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3
Once the marshmallow mixture is fully melted, pour it over the cereal mixture. Quickly stir to coat all the dry ingredients evenly with the melted mixture.
4
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the pan and press down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer. Alternatively, for a fun presentation, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper and allow to cool.
5
Let the bars cool for about 5 minutes before cutting them into squares or enjoying them as drop clusters. Serve and enjoy your delightful Choco-Peanut Crunch Bars!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
19g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Choco-Peanut Crunch Bars?
Choco-Peanut Crunch Bars are a sweet and savory treat made with crispy cereal, M&M's, pretzels, and peanuts coated in a marshmallow and peanut butter mixture.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, these bars are a no-bake dessert that sets as it cools.
How long does it take to melt the marshmallow mixture on the stove?
It typically takes about 3 minutes of continuous stirring over low heat until the mixture is melted and smooth.
Can I use a microwave to melt the ingredients?
Yes, you can melt the marshmallow mixture in the microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring in between.
What kind of cereal can I use?
You can use either 3 cups of crispy rice cereal or corn cereal.
Can I use mini M&Ms?
Yes, you can use either regular or mini-sized M&M's for this recipe.
How should I prepare the pretzel sticks?
The 2 1/2 cups of pretzel sticks should be broken into smaller pieces before being mixed in.
What type of peanuts should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of salted peanuts, and roasted peanuts are recommended for added flavor.
What size marshmallows melt best?
Mini marshmallows are recommended because they melt more easily.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 cup of butter or margarine.
What kind of peanut butter is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of creamy peanut butter.
What size pan is needed for these bars?
A 9x13 inch pan is the recommended size for pressing the mixture into bars.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lightly grease the 9x13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray before adding the mixture.
How long should the bars cool before cutting?
Allow the bars to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting them into squares.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
Can I make these into something other than bars?
Yes, you can drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper to create drop clusters instead of bars.
Are Choco-Peanut Crunch Bars good for parties?
Absolutely, these bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at parties or as a family treat.
What is the texture of these bars?
These bars offer a crunchy and crispy texture thanks to the cereal, pretzels, and peanuts.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 19g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each bar?
Each bar contains approximately 2g of protein.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
What are the main dry ingredients?
The dry ingredients include cereal, M&M's, broken pretzel sticks, and salted peanuts.
What makes up the liquid coating?
The coating is a melted mixture of marshmallows, butter, and creamy peanut butter.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Candy.
Should I mix the dry ingredients before adding the marshmallow mixture?
Yes, combine the cereal, M&M's, pretzels, and peanuts in a separate bowl first to ensure even distribution.
How should I press the mixture into the pan?
Press down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer in the greased pan.
Is there any special preparation for the butter?
It is recommended to cut the butter into small pieces for easier melting.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chex bars, candy, snack, dessert, no-bake, chocolate, and peanut butter.