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–+ servings
Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars
Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars are a classic no-bake treat that became especially popular in mid-century American kitchens. Built from pantry staples like sugar, corn syrup, peanut butter, and crisp rice cereal, these bars deliver the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures. The addition of melted milk chocolate and butterscotch chips on top creates a sweet, creamy finish that contrasts beautifully with the nutty base. Easy to prepare and requiring no oven time, these bars became a favorite for potlucks, school lunches, and quick dessert tables, offering bold peanut butter flavor with irresistible crunch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 milk chocolate bars (about 5 oz each)
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup Base

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and corn syrup.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter

  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in peanut butter until smooth.

Step 3: Flavor the Mixture

  • Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 4: Combine with Cereal

  • Fold in Rice Krispies until evenly coated.

Step 5: Press into Pan

  • Grease a 9x13-inch pan.
  • Press mixture firmly into the pan.

Step 6: Melt Topping

  • Melt milk chocolate bars and butterscotch chips together over low heat or in a double boiler.
  • Stir until smooth.

Step 7: Finish and Chill

  • Spread melted chocolate mixture evenly over the bars.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
  • Cut into squares and serve.

Tips

  • Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
  • Substitute dark chocolate for a richer topping.
  • Add chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling.
  • Swap butterscotch chips for white chocolate chips.
  • Press mixture firmly to prevent crumbling.
  • Store in refrigerator for cleaner slices.
  • Add mini marshmallows for a softer texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 6gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 50IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword chocolate, comfort food, crunchy, dessert bars, no-bake, peanut butter, retro recipes, vintage
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