A quick, wholesome, no-bake treat made with simple pantry staples
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a recipe that comes together in minutes, uses everyday ingredients, and doesn’t even require turning on the oven. These 5-Ingredient No-Bake Crunch Bars are exactly that kind of recipe. They’re chewy, crunchy, naturally sweet, and perfect for when you need a quick snack, dessert, or lunchbox treat without the fuss.
Thank you for being here with me today. It truly means so much that you continue to trust me with the recipes you bring into your kitchen. This one is a favorite — simple, reliable, and endlessly useful. Once you make these bars, you’ll find yourself coming back to them again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Crunch Bars
• Only 5 simple ingredients
• No baking required
• Ready with just a few minutes of prep
• Naturally sweetened
• Perfect for snacks, desserts, or meal prep
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
What They Taste Like
These bars are chewy and soft with a satisfying crunch from the crispy rice cereal. The peanut butter adds richness, the honey or maple syrup brings gentle sweetness, and the coconut oil helps everything set into perfectly sliceable bars. They’re not overly sweet — just balanced, comforting, and incredibly snackable.
Servings & Timing
Yield: 9–12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (stovetop)
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 cups rolled oats (quick or old-fashioned)
1 cup crispy rice cereal
Tools You’ll Need
Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
8×8-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
How to Make No-Bake Crunch Bars
1. Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Melt the Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine:
peanut butter
honey (or maple syrup)
coconut oil
Stir gently until everything is melted and smooth. Do not boil — low heat is key.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Remove the saucepan from heat.
Immediately stir in:
rolled oats
crispy rice cereal
Mix until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
4. Press into the Pan
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan.
Press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula. Compacting the mixture helps the bars hold together.
5. Chill
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are fully set.
6. Slice and Serve
Lift the bars out using the parchment paper.
Cut into 9–12 squares or bars and enjoy.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
• Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter
• Add chocolate chips after cooling slightly
• Stir in chopped nuts or shredded coconut
• Add a pinch of salt for contrast
• Use puffed quinoa instead of rice cereal
Tips for Best Results
• Keep heat low to avoid burning the peanut butter
• Press the mixture firmly for clean slices
• Let bars fully chill before cutting
• Store chilled for the best texture
• Use quick oats for a softer bar, old-fashioned for more chew
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect:
• As an afternoon snack
• For lunchboxes
• After workouts
• As a simple dessert
• With coffee or tea
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer:
Freeze bars for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these vegan?
Yes — use maple syrup instead of honey.
Do they hold up at room temperature?
They’re best kept chilled, especially in warm climates.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a 9×13 pan and double all ingredients.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats and cereal.
Conclusion
These 5-Ingredient No-Bake Crunch Bars are the definition of easy, comforting, and practical. With no baking, minimal cleanup, and ingredients you likely already have, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll keep on hand for busy days and sweet cravings alike.
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