Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
This scrumptious recipe for Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Bars has been a cherished family favorite for generations. Passed down from my mother, who delightfully whipped these up for her kids 40 years ago, it remains a go-to treat for many. Just yesterday, my college-age nephew excitedly requested a batch, reminding me how incredibly easy and quick these bars are to prepare—perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without the fuss of baking cookies. With a perfect blend of gooey peanut butter, sweet brown sugar, and crispy cereal, each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them for a snack, a party, or just to enjoy as an after-school treat, these bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!
12
Servings
200
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Light Brown Sugar
1 cup (packed)
White Corn Syrup
1 cup (none)
Peanut Butter
1 cup (creamy or crunchy)
Rice Krispies or COCOA KRISPIES® Cereal
6 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by measuring out the Rice Krispies into a large mixing bowl, ideally the largest one you have to allow for easy mixing.
2
In a small saucepan, combine the light brown sugar and white corn syrup. Set the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it starts to bubble vigorously on the surface.
3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter until fully combined and smooth.
4
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies in the mixing bowl. Gently fold and stir using a spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated with the mixture.
5
Transfer the coated Rice Krispies mixture into a greased 9x11 or 9x13 inch baking dish. Use the spatula to press it down firmly and smooth the top for an even surface.
6
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 1 hour or until set. For easier cutting, use a knife that has been run under warm water to slice into neat squares.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
30g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Bars?
They are a quick, no-bake treat made with a mixture of peanut butter, cereal, and brown sugar that has been a family favorite for decades.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
You only need 4 ingredients: light brown sugar, white corn syrup, peanut butter, and Rice Krispies or Cocoa Krispies cereal.
Do I need to bake these bars?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that sets at room temperature.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your preference.
Can I use Cocoa Krispies instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes, the recipe allows for either Rice Krispies or COCOA KRISPIES cereal.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 9x11 or 9x13 inch baking dish is ideal for these bars.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
How many calories are in each bar?
Each serving contains about 200 calories.
What is the first step in making these bars?
Start by measuring the cereal into your largest mixing bowl to ensure there is enough room for easy mixing.
How do I prepare the sugar and syrup mixture?
Combine them in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the surface bubbles vigorously.
When do I add the peanut butter?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before quickly stirring in the peanut butter until it is smooth.
How do I combine the cereal with the syrup mixture?
Pour the warm peanut butter and sugar mixture over the cereal and use a spatula to fold and stir until every piece is coated.
How long do the bars take to set?
Let them sit at room temperature for approximately 1 hour or until they are fully set.
What is the best way to cut the bars?
For neat squares, use a knife that has been run under warm water before slicing.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of packed light brown sugar.
How much white corn syrup is used?
You will need 1 cup of white corn syrup.
How much cereal should I measure?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of cereal.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
Each bar contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Do these bars contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
Are these bars suitable for a quick snack?
Yes, they are perfect as a quick snack, party treat, or an after-school dessert.
Is the baking dish supposed to be greased?
Yes, make sure to grease the 9x11 or 9x13 inch dish before adding the mixture.
How old is this recipe?
This recipe has been passed down for at least 40 years as a family favorite.
Is there any cholesterol in these bars?
No, the recipe information indicates there is 0mg of cholesterol.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead?
The recipe specifically recommends light brown sugar for the best results.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Bar Cookie.
Are these bars easy to prepare?
Yes, they are described as incredibly easy and quick to prepare, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without baking.
How do I smooth the top of the bars?
Use a spatula to press the mixture down firmly and smooth it into an even surface in the baking dish.
Can these be made for college students?
Yes, the description mentions a college-age nephew specifically requested them because they are so delicious.
What is the texture of these bars?
They have a delightful combination of gooey peanut butter and crispy cereal textures.