Decadent No-Bake Crunchy Layered Bars
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Decadent No-Bake Crunchy Layered Bars, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven! This delightful treat features a crunchy base made from a blend of crispy rice and corn flakes, layered with a creamy vanilla pudding filling, and topped with a luscious chocolate frosting. Each layer harmonizes beautifully, creating a texture that is both crunchy and creamy. Best of all, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes, followed by a simple chill in the fridge for an hour to set. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy dessert at home, and they look stunning when cut into bars, showcasing those tempting layers. Make sure you make a big batch; they'll disappear in no time!
64
Servings
83
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
1 cup (none)
light-color corn syrup
1 cup (none)
peanut butter
2 cups (none)
crisp rice cereal
3 cups (none)
corn flakes
3 cups (none)
butter
3/4 cup (melted)
powdered sugar
4 cups (none)
vanilla flavor instant pudding mix
2 (4-serving size) packages (dry, mixed)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
semisweet chocolate pieces
12 ounces (none)
butter (for frosting)
1/2 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil, letting the foil extend over the edges for easy removal later; set aside.
2
For the Base Layer: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and corn syrup. Stir continuously until it begins to boil around the edges. Continue stirring for one minute and then remove from heat. Mix in the peanut butter and stir until completely melted and smooth.
3
Gently fold in the crisp rice cereal and corn flakes, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
4
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
5
For the Pudding Layer: In a medium saucepan, melt the 3/4 cup of butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, dry vanilla pudding mixes, and milk until smooth and well combined.
6
Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cereal layer in the pan.
7
For the Frosting: In a small saucepan, combine the semisweet chocolate pieces and the 1/2 cup of butter. Melt over low heat, stirring until smooth and well combined.
8
Pour and spread the melted chocolate frosting over the pudding layer, smoothing with a spatula.
9
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for about one hour, or until set.
10
To Serve: Once chilled, use the edges of the foil to lift the bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 64 squares.
11
Store leftover bars layered between waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
4.6g
Fat
9.7g
Carbs
1g
Protein
0.3g
Fiber
5.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent No-Bake Crunchy Layered Bars?
They are a rich, triple-layered treat featuring a crunchy cereal base, a creamy vanilla pudding center, and a chocolate frosting top.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 64 individual squares.
Is baking required for this recipe?
No, these are no-bake bars that only require chilling in the refrigerator to set.
How long is the active preparation time?
The active preparation takes less than 30 minutes.
How long should the bars chill before serving?
They should be refrigerated for approximately one hour or until they are completely set.
What ingredients make up the crunchy base?
The base consists of granulated sugar, light-color corn syrup, peanut butter, crisp rice cereal, and corn flakes.
What is the recommended pan size?
A 15x10x1-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Line the pan with foil, allowing the edges to extend over the sides for easy removal later.
What flavor of pudding is used in the middle layer?
The recipe uses two 4-serving size packages of vanilla-flavored instant pudding mix.
Should the pudding mix be prepared according to the box instructions?
No, the dry pudding mix is whisked into melted butter, powdered sugar, and a small amount of milk.
What kind of chocolate is used for the frosting?
The frosting is made from 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate pieces and butter.
How many calories are in one square?
Each square contains approximately 83 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4.6 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
There are 9.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a single bar?
Each bar provides 1 gram of protein.
How should leftover bars be stored?
Store them layered between waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long do the bars stay fresh in the fridge?
They can be stored for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
How do I ensure the cereal base stays together?
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
What should I do after the sugar and corn syrup begin to boil?
Stir continuously for one minute before removing from heat and adding the peanut butter.
How do I melt the frosting ingredients?
Combine the chocolate pieces and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
What is the total sugar content per bar?
Each serving contains 5.5 grams of sugar.
Is there any fiber in this dessert?
Yes, each serving contains about 0.3 grams of fiber.
What type of corn syrup should be used?
The recipe specifically calls for light-color corn syrup.
How much peanut butter is required for the recipe?
You will need 2 cups of peanut butter for the base layer.
What amount of crisp rice cereal is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of crisp rice cereal.
What amount of corn flakes is used?
You will need 3 cups of corn flakes to achieve the right crunch.
How much butter is used in the pudding layer?
The pudding layer requires 3/4 cup of melted butter.
How much powdered sugar is in the middle layer?
The middle pudding layer uses 4 cups of powdered sugar.
How much milk is added to the pudding mixture?
Only 1/4 cup of milk is added to the pudding mixture.
Can I use different pudding flavors?
While the recipe calls for vanilla, you could experiment with other instant pudding flavors for different taste profiles.