These homemade crunch bars are the perfect no-bake treat—crispy, sweet, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to make. With just 5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a batch of crunchy chocolate bars that taste even better than the original Nestlé Crunch bar! They’re also vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made refined sugar-free for a healthier option.
Wait—Did Nestlé Discontinue Crunch Bars?
Yes, Nestlé officially discontinued Crunch bars back in 2018. But don’t worry—this homemade version is a delicious replacement. In fact, it’s better than the classic, and much easier to make at home with clean, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Why You’ll Love These Crunch Bars
These no-bake chocolate crunch bars are a texture-lover’s dream! Each bite is:
- Crunchy and crispy from the cereal
- Smooth and creamy thanks to the melted chocolate and nut butter
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Easily adaptable for sugar-free, keto, or paleo diets
- Ready in just minutes
While some homemade versions simply melt chocolate with crispy rice cereal, this recipe brings in rich peanut butter and maple syrup for flavor and consistency that elevate it far beyond the average shortcut recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into the best homemade crunch bars:
- Crispy Rice Cereal – Choose a gluten-free version if needed. You can also swap in cornflakes for a twist.
- Peanut Butter – Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture, but smooth works too. For nut-free options, try sunflower seed or soy nut butter.
- Chocolate Chips – Use high-quality chocolate for the best taste. Vegan or sugar-free baking chips both work beautifully.
- Maple Syrup – Adds sweetness and binds the bars. Use sugar-free syrup if needed.
- Coconut Oil – Helps create a smooth, firm texture. You can substitute vegan butter or regular butter if preferred.
How to Make Homemade Crunch Bars
Step 1: Prep your dish.
Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the chocolate base.
In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Heat gently until melted, then whisk until silky and smooth.
Step 3: Combine with cereal.
Pour the crispy rice cereal into a large bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over it and stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press down evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Storage Tips
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. (They rarely last that long!)
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 6 months—great for chocolate cravings on demand!
Paleo or Keto-Friendly Option
To make these crunch bars paleo or keto:
- Swap crispy cereal for chopped nuts, seeds, or unsweetened coconut flakes.
- Use keto-friendly chocolate chips and sugar-free maple syrup.
This variation offers the same satisfying crunch, with lower carbs and no grains.
Craving More Candy Bar Copycats?
Try these other homemade favorites:
- Vegan Snickers Bars
- Healthy Mars Bars
- Homemade Kit Kat Bars
- Bounty Bars (Coconut + Chocolate!)
Watch the Video
See how easy it is to make these chocolate crunch bars—watch the full step-by-step video below!
🍫 The Best Homemade Crunch Bars Recipe
Servings: 20 bars
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)
- ½ cup maple syrup (or sugar-free syrup)
- ¼ cup coconut oil (or vegan/regular butter)
Instructions:
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
- In a large bowl, add the crispy rice cereal. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over it and mix until fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spread evenly, and press down. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Slice into bars and enjoy!
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Keep in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 6 months.
Nutrition (per bar):
- Calories: 142
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g