No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Indulge in the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike! These No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are a delightful blend of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy cereal, all brought together into a deliciously chewy bar. Perfect for snack time, dessert, or a quick energy boost on the go, these bars are simple to prepare right on the stovetop—no oven required! The addition of mini marshmallows lends a fluffy texture, while optional chopped peanuts adds an extra crunch. Ideal for sharing with friends, this recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. Best enjoyed fresh, ideally the same day they are made!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
3 tablespoons (Melt in a saucepan)
Light Corn Syrup
1/2 cup (Add directly to the melted butter mixture)
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
1 (6-ounce) package (Add directly to the melted butter mixture)
Peanut Butter
1/4 cup (Stir into the melted chocolate mixture)
Reese's Puffs Cereal
5 cups (Slightly crushed if desired)
Finely Chopped Peanuts
1/4 cup (Optional; add to the mixture)
Mini Marshmallows
1 1/2 cups (Fold into the mixture)
Instructions
1
Prepare a 9x9 or 8x8-inch square pan by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
2
In a large 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3
Once the butter has melted, add the light corn syrup and semi-sweet chocolate chips to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
4
Incorporate the peanut butter into the chocolate mixture, stirring until the peanut butter is completely melted and evenly distributed.
5
Gradually add the Reese's Puffs cereal to the mixture, gently folding it in until every piece is well coated with the chocolate-peanut butter blend.
6
If using, fold in the finely chopped peanuts until evenly mixed, followed by the mini marshmallows. Be careful not to crush the marshmallows during this step.
7
Carefully transfer the cereal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, gently press it down to create an even layer. Make sure not to press too hard, or you'll lose the cereal's crunch!
8
Allow the bars to set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until firm. For faster setting, you can refrigerate them for about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Crunch Bars?
These bars are a delicious blend of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy Reese's Puffs cereal, mixed with mini marshmallows for a chewy and crunchy treat.
Do I need to bake these cereal bars?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that is prepared entirely on the stovetop and set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
What size pan should I use for this recipe?
You should use a 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch square baking pan.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan lightly with butter or a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.
What are the main ingredients for the chocolate base?
The base consists of butter or margarine, light corn syrup, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
How much Reese's Puffs Cereal is needed?
The recipe requires 5 cups of Reese's Puffs cereal, which can be slightly crushed if desired.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine for this recipe.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
A 6-ounce package of semi-sweet chocolate chips is recommended for the best balance of sweetness.
How much peanut butter is used in the recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of peanut butter to stir into the melted chocolate mixture.
When should I add the peanut butter?
Incorporate the peanut butter into the chocolate mixture after removing the saucepan from the heat, stirring until it is completely melted.
Are there any optional ingredients I can add?
Yes, you can add 1/4 cup of finely chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
How many mini marshmallows are required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of mini marshmallows to be folded into the cereal mixture.
What is the best way to melt the ingredients?
Melt the butter first in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, then add the syrup and chocolate chips, stirring continuously.
How do I ensure the cereal is properly coated?
Gradually add the cereal to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and gently fold it in until every piece is covered.
Should I be careful when adding the marshmallows?
Yes, be careful not to crush the marshmallows while folding them into the mixture so they retain their fluffy texture.
How do I press the mixture into the pan?
Use the back of a spoon or your hands to gently press the mixture into an even layer in the prepared pan.
Why shouldn't I press the mixture down too hard?
Pressing too hard can cause the cereal to lose its crunch and result in a very dense bar.
How long do the bars take to set at room temperature?
They typically take about 1 hour to set at room temperature until firm.
Can I make these bars set faster?
Yes, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for a faster setting time.
How should these bars be served?
They are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the same day they are prepared.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled if you are preparing snacks for a larger gathering.
What makes these bars kid-friendly?
The combination of chocolate, peanut butter cereal, and marshmallows makes them a popular sweet treat for children.
What is the texture of these bars?
They offer a fluffy texture from the marshmallows, a crunch from the cereal, and a chewy richness from the chocolate and peanut butter.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert or a snack.
Are these bars good for a quick energy boost?
Yes, because they contain cereal, peanut butter, and sugar, they can provide a quick boost of energy.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients used in this recipe, including the optional peanuts.
What kind of corn syrup is used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of light corn syrup.
Should I stir the mixture while it's melting?
Yes, you should stir occasionally while melting the butter and continuously once the chocolate chips and syrup are added to prevent burning.
Do I need any special equipment?
You only need a 3-quart saucepan, a 9x9 or 8x8 pan, and a spoon for stirring and folding.
Is the peanut butter preparation specific?
The peanut butter should be stirred into the melted chocolate mixture off the heat until it is fully incorporated and smooth.