Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
You’re going to love these Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. They’re crispy, chocolatey, and easy to make. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, with just 8 grams of sugar per serving.
As a dietitian, I’m always looking for treats that feel indulgent but still support your overall wellness goals. These bars remind me of a favorite candy bar from childhood, only with more wholesome ingredients and no baking required.
What started as a holiday dessert idea quickly became a go-to sweet snack n my kitchen. The peanut butter crunch layer is packed with crispy rice cereal and almond flour for that perfect texture. A rich dark chocolate topping brings it all together. Whether you’re prepping a sweet treat for the week or sharing with friends and family, this one’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Three Reasons I Love This Recipe As a Flexitarian Dietitian
1. Protein and Fiber, Built Right In: Between the nut butter and almond flour, these bars offer a little boost of protein and fiber—making them more satisfying than your average sweet treat.
2. Perfect for Meal (or Dessert) Prep: These are the kind of bars you’ll want to keep in your fridge all week. They’re quick to make, easy to slice, and store well in an airtight container—ideal for grab-and-go treats or a little something after dinner.
3. Chocolate Craving Approved: When that sweet tooth hits, these bars totally hit the spot. They’re rich and chocolatey, but made with simple ingredients and less sugar than most store-bought options.
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing Bowl: For stirring together the peanut butter crunch layer.
Spatula or Spoon: To mix ingredients and spread the layers evenly.
9×9-Inch Baking Pan or 9-Inch Cake Pan: Either works for forming the bars.
Parchment Paper: Helps the bars lift easily out of the pan once chilled, don’t skip this!
Small Saucepan or Double Boiler: For gently melting the chocolate mixture.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: To slice the bars cleanly once they’re set.
Food Processor (Optional): Great if you want a finer, more uniform crunch layer.
Ingredients in Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
The Peanut Butter Crunch Layer
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Peanut Butter: Go with your favorite variety that doesn’t have added sugar. Both creamy and crunchy work, but I love crunchy peanut butter with a touch of salt for extra texture and flavor.
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Crispy Puffed Rice: Look for toasted puffed rice cereal, something like classic Rice Krispies gives the best crunch.
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Almond Flour: This helps bind everything together and adds a subtle nutty flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
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Maple Syrup: A splash adds natural sweetness with hints of vanilla and caramel.
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Vanilla Extract: Brings everything together and enhances the flavors of peanut butter, maple syrup, and chocolate.
The Chocolate Layer
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Dark Chocolate Chips: I like something 70% or darker—Ghirardelli’s 86% bar is a go-to for me.
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Peanut Butter: A little extra in the chocolate keeps the peanut butter flavor going strong.
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Coconut Oil: Optional, but it helps thin the chocolate and adds a subtle coconut flavor. You can skip it if you prefer and just use more peanut butter.
Instructions
1. Make the Peanut Butter Crunch Layer
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In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, crispy rice, almond flour, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Line a 9×9-inch baking pan (or 9-inch cake pan) with parchment paper.
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Firmly press the mixture into the pan to form an even layer.
2. Make the Chocolate Layer
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In a double boiler (or microwave-safe bowl), melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
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Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base and spread it evenly.
3. Chill, Slice, and Serve
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Place the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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If you’d like to add toppings (coconut flakes, sprinkles, flaky sea salt, etc.), wait until the chocolate is mostly set but still slightly tacky so they stick without sinking.
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Chill for another 30 minutes, then slice into bars and enjoy!
My Best Tips For This Recipe
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Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer, just let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating.
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Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins:
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Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option or almond butter for a milder flavor.
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Swap the puffed rice with crushed corn flakes for extra crunch.
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Stir in peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
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Variations: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax to boost nutrition, or use oat flour instead of almond flour if that’s what you have on hand.
Ways to Enjoy These Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
I’m all about desserts that don’t just taste good but do a little good for the body too. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars are rich and satisfying, with a bonus boost of fiber and protein. They’re sweet enough to feel like a treat, but balanced enough to keep you feeling good after you eat them.
Here are a few favorite ways I like to enjoy them:
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As a snack: I’ll grab one after a long hike or in the afternoon when I want something chocolatey but still nourishing. Each bar has 7 grams of protein and some fiber to help keep you full and energized.
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On a holiday dessert board: These bars are great alongside homemade cookies during the holidays. I like to add orange slices, roasted nuts, and dark chocolate to round things out.
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A little extra indulgent: Warm a bar in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, then top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It turns into a melty, peanut butter-chocolate moment to cherish.
Dietitian’s Spotlight: Peanuts
Peanuts might be known for their crunch, but they also pack a serious nutritional punch. Though often grouped with tree nuts, peanuts are actually legumes, related to beans and lentils. They were likely first cultivated by the Incas in South America and later spread across the globe through Spanish and Portuguese traders, reaching places like China, India, and West Africa.
Today, peanuts thrive in warm climates with plenty of moisture. In the U.S., Georgia and Florida lead in peanut production, while globally, China, India, and Nigeria are among the top producers.
From a nutrition standpoint, peanuts are rich in heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber, making them a smart choice for balanced snacking or recipe add-ins. They also provide essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium, folate, and Vitamin E, along with smaller amounts of iron and calcium.
Peanut butter, first promoted as a health food in the early 1900s, is still a dietitian-approved pantry staple when you go for options with minimal added sugars or oils.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Equipment
- 1 9x9 baking pan
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 double boiler
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 stirring spoon
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- parchment paper
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Bars
- 1.5 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (this sub is not plant-based)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup puffed rice
Chocolate Topping
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate see recipe notes
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Other Toppings
- 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes optional
Instructions
For the Peanut Butter Layer
- Place all peanut butter bar ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined.
- Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. If you skip this step the bars will not pop out of the baking pan when cooled.
- Press the peanut butter mixture into a 9x9-inch baking pan.
Chocolate Layer
- Melt chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut oil over a double boiler. Once all of the chocolate is almost melted remove and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ingredients incorporated.
- Pour chocolate mixture over Peanut butter bars. Spread it evenly with your chocolate mixing spoon.
Chill & Serve
- Place the dessert in the refrigerator for 30min to 1 hour. Before the chocolate has almost set but not completely, add desired toppings (coconut flakes, sprinkles). If the chocolate is too runny, the toppings will sink into the chocolate.
- Place bars back in the fridge for another 30min. Serve once the chocolate is set.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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