Ultimate No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Indulge in the decadence of Ultimate No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars—a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and a crunchy cereal blend. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet snack at home, these bars are incredibly satisfying and incredibly delicious. The layers of peanut buttery goodness, combined with the sweetness of brown sugar and the delightful crunch of corn flakes and Rice Krispies, create a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth. With a generous layer of creamy chocolate topping, these bars will be the star of any dessert table. Make a big batch to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth, and don’t worry; they freeze well, allowing you to enjoy a slice of happiness anytime you want!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
white corn syrup
1 cup (None)
peanut butter
2 cups (Smooth, preferably creamy)
brown sugar
1 cup (Packed)
corn flakes
2 cups (None, use plain corn flakes)
Rice Krispies
3 cups (None)
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (Melted)
milk
6 tablespoons (None)
powdered sugar
4 cups (None)
instant vanilla pudding
2 (3 1/2 ounce) packages (None)
chocolate chips
2 cups (Semi-sweet or dark)
peanut butter
1/2 cup (Smooth)
shortening
1/4 cup (None)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan on the stovetop (or in a microwave-safe bowl if you prefer), combine the white corn syrup, peanut butter, and packed brown sugar. Heat over medium heat (or microwave in short bursts), stirring until everything is smoothly melted and combined.
2
Remove from heat and gently fold in the corn flakes and Rice Krispies until fully coated.
3
Line an 11x15 inch jelly roll pan with foil and lightly grease it. Transfer the cereal mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly to form a crust, pressing down lightly for a compact base.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter or margarine, milk, powdered sugar, and instant vanilla pudding until smoothly blended. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust to create the filling.
5
For the topping, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips, additional peanut butter, and shortening until smooth and well-combined. Stir until fully melted, then pour and spread this over the filling layer.
6
Once layered, refrigerate the bars for several hours until completely set. Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy your Ultimate No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars?
They are a decadent dessert featuring layers of peanut butter, a crunchy cereal base, a creamy pudding filling, and a chocolate topping.
Does this recipe require an oven?
No, this is a completely no-bake recipe, though you will need a stovetop or microwave to melt some ingredients.
What cereals are used for the crunch layer?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 cups of corn flakes and 3 cups of Rice Krispies.
What type of peanut butter is recommended?
Smooth or creamy peanut butter is preferred for both the base and the topping.
How much peanut butter is needed in total?
You will need a total of 2.5 cups of peanut butter: 2 cups for the crust and 1/2 cup for the chocolate topping.
What size pan should I use?
An 11x15 inch jelly roll pan is required for this recipe.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze very well, making them great for making ahead of time.
What ingredients make up the filling layer?
The filling consists of melted butter or margarine, milk, powdered sugar, and instant vanilla pudding mix.
Do I need to cook the vanilla pudding first?
No, you use the dry instant vanilla pudding mix directly in the filling mixture.
What is in the chocolate topping?
The topping is made by melting together chocolate chips, peanut butter, and shortening.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, the recipe allows for either semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the topping.
What kind of sugar is used in the crust?
The crust uses 1 cup of packed brown sugar mixed with white corn syrup.
How should I prepare the pan?
Line the pan with foil and lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking.
How long do the bars need to set?
They should be refrigerated for several hours until they are completely firm.
What is the purpose of shortening in the topping?
Shortening helps the chocolate topping melt smoothly and creates a softer texture that is easier to slice.
How many cups of powdered sugar are required?
The filling layer requires 4 cups of powdered sugar.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe specifies that either butter or margarine can be used for the filling.
What flavor of instant pudding is needed?
The recipe calls for two 3 1/2 ounce packages of instant vanilla pudding.
Is white corn syrup necessary?
Yes, 1 cup of white corn syrup is used to bind the cereal and sugar mixture for the base.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of milk in the middle filling layer.
How do I melt the topping ingredients?
You can melt them in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until the chocolate, peanut butter, and shortening are smooth.
Should the corn flakes be crushed?
No, the instructions suggest folding them in plain to maintain the crunchy texture.
Are these bars suitable for a large group?
Yes, they are described as perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
What is the texture of the bars?
They have a crunchy cereal base, a creamy filling, and a smooth chocolate top that melts in your mouth.
Can I make the crust in the microwave?
Yes, you can heat the syrup, peanut butter, and brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts.
When should I cut the bars into squares?
Wait until the bars have been refrigerated for several hours and are completely firm before cutting.
How many ingredient items are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredient items listed for this recipe.
Is there any salt added to the recipe?
No additional salt is listed, as the peanut butter and cereals usually contain enough sodium.
What is the primary flavor of these bars?
The dominant flavors are peanut butter and chocolate, accented by vanilla from the pudding.
Can I use different cereals?
While corn flakes and Rice Krispies are traditional for this recipe, you could experiment with other crispy cereals.