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- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
💡 Pro Tips:
- Use shelf-stable peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy)—natural PB separates and makes bars greasy.
- Don’t overheat—melt gently to keep texture smooth.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal!
Step-by-Step Instructions (Crunchy, Silky, Foolproof)
1. Prep the Pan
- Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
2. Make the Base
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter (30 sec).
- Stir in peanut butter and honey until smooth.
- Fold in crispy rice cereal until fully coated.
3. Press & Set
- Press mixture firmly into prepared pan.
- Chill 10 minutes in freezer (or fridge) to firm up.
4. Add the Chocolate Swirl
- In a small bowl, melt chocolate chips and 2 tbsp peanut butter (microwave in 20-sec bursts, stirring between).
- Drizzle or spread over chilled base.
- Use a knife to swirl gently for a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
5. Chill & Slice
- Freeze 15–20 minutes or refrigerate 30–45 minutes until set.
- Lift out using parchment; cut into 16 squares.
Serving Suggestions
- ☕ Classic pairing: Cold milk, coffee, or hot cocoa
- 🎁 Gift idea: Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for homemade treats
- 🥄 Decadent twist: Serve with vanilla ice cream for an instant sundae
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps up to 2 weeks in an airtight container (layers separated by parchment).
- Freeze: Up to 2 months—thaw 10 mins before eating for perfect texture.
- Prep ahead: Mix base; store in pan covered overnight before topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Nut-free?
A: Yes! Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) and use dairy-free chocolate.
A: Yes! Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) and use dairy-free chocolate.
Q: Gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use certified GF crispy rice cereal (like Nature’s Path).
A: Yes! Use certified GF crispy rice cereal (like Nature’s Path).
Q: Too soft?
A: Likely from oily peanut butter—stick to conventional brands.
A: Likely from oily peanut butter—stick to conventional brands.
Q: Can I add mix-ins?
A: Absolutely! Try mini marshmallows, pretzel pieces, or chopped peanuts.
A: Absolutely! Try mini marshmallows, pretzel pieces, or chopped peanuts.
❤️ The Heart of the Bar
These aren’t just snacks—they’re a moment of joy in bar form. They’re what you make when you need a pick-me-up, a last-minute gift, or a treat that feels indulgent but takes almost no effort.
So melt that chocolate, crunch that cereal, and savor the simplicity. Because the best desserts aren’t complicated—they’re chewy, crunchy, and made with love.
“Good bars don’t need a recipe—they just need chocolate, peanut butter, and someone happy.” 🍫✨