Description
Homemade Crunch Bars are a delightful no-bake treat featuring a luscious blend of melted chocolate, butter, marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal. These bars are easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, chilled to set, and then sliced into deliciously crunchy squares perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Mixture
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cereal
- 3 cups crisp rice cereal
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips together with the unsalted butter, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Marshmallows and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat, then fold in the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract, stirring gently until fully incorporated and the marshmallows start to melt slightly.
- Combine with Cereal: Carefully add the crisp rice cereal to the chocolate mixture, folding it in gently to ensure the cereal is fully coated, taking care not to crush the crispy texture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang to assist with removal later. Pour the cereal mixture into the dish and press down firmly with a spatula or your hands to pack it evenly.
- Chill to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the chocolate and marshmallow mixture to firm up completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper edges, slice into 12 bars, and enjoy your homemade crunchy treats!
Notes
- For a nutty variation, consider adding chopped nuts to the mixture before chilling.
- Ensure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together well.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use gluten-free rice cereal if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
