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No Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars

These no bake chocolate crunch bars combine melted chocolate with crispy rice cereal to create a crunchy, chocolatey treat that requires no oven. The bars set up firm with a glossy finish, offering a satisfying snap with every bite. They’re highly customizable with nuts, sea salt, or dried fruit for a personalized touch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g dark chocolate semi-sweet or bittersweet preferred
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted for smoothness
  • 3 cups crispy rice cereal or chopped pretzels for denser crunch
  • optional to taste sea salt flaky sea salt preferred
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts almonds, pecans, or favorites
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract enhances flavor

Equipment

  • 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) baking pan
  • Heatproof spatula
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Place the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until fully melted and glossy.
  3. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate until smooth and shiny, releasing a rich cocoa aroma.
  4. Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal, stirring carefully to coat all bits without crushing the cereal, keeping the mixture glossy.
  5. Pour the chocolate-cereal mixture into your prepared pan and use the back of a spatula to press it down evenly, creating a smooth, compact layer.
  6. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and chopped nuts over the surface, pressing them lightly into the mixture for added flavor and texture.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the bars are firm and the chocolate is glossy and set.
  8. Once set, lift the whole block out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
  9. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for the perfect bite.

Notes

Feel free to customize with dried fruit, different nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.