Unlock a world of irresistible flavor with these incredible no-bake Honey Chex Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars! These outrageously delicious cereal treats are a breeze to whip up right in your own kitchen. Not only are they naturally gluten-free, but they’re also the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any party or a fantastic, convenient snack for yourself. Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s both simple and sensationally satisfying.
Each bar is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes. Imagine a crispy, sweet base crafted from honey-sweetened Chex cereal bound together with a rich peanut butter and honey mixture. This foundation is then lavishly crowned with a luxurious, creamy milk chocolate peanut butter ganache that takes every bite to an extraordinary level. If you’re looking for another delightful and easy party snack, be sure to check out our Red, White & Blue Puppy Chow!
Why You’ll Adore These No-Bake Chex Bars!
The magic truly begins with the classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate – a combination that’s universally adored. These Chex cereal bars don’t just sound amazing; they taste even more incredible than words can describe! We are particularly fond of how the melted peanut butter, a hint of salt, and the sweet honey intertwine, coating every tiny crevice of the crunchy Honey Chex cereal. This intricate coating creates a texture that is both satisfyingly crisp and wonderfully chewy, a truly divine experience.
Adding a touch of creamy peanut butter to the milk chocolate ganache elevates the topping to new heights. It imparts a delightful creaminess and a nuanced depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly. While these bars are certainly delicious on their own, without the ganache, we wholeheartedly recommend keeping that luscious chocolate peanut butter layer. It’s a matter of preference, of course, but for us, it transforms them into what we affectionately call “can’t-resist bars.” One bite, and you’ll understand—it’s nearly impossible to stop at just one!
A Healthier Twist: No Corn Syrup in Our Chex Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Many no-bake bar recipes rely heavily on corn syrup as a binding agent and sweetener. However, we’re proud to say that our Chex bars offer a delightful and healthier alternative: honey! Using honey not only provides a natural sweetness but also perfectly complements the existing honey flavor in the Chex cereal, creating a harmonious taste profile. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat with a more wholesome touch.
Traditionally, corn syrup is prized for its ability to hold no-bake treats together, and you can certainly use it in this recipe if you prefer. However, we’ve found that your favorite local honey works just as effectively, providing excellent binding power while introducing a richer, more complex flavor. We are always eager to incorporate healthier alternatives wherever possible, and honey is a stellar choice here.
We’ve also taken steps to significantly reduce the overall sugar content by cutting the amount of sugar called for in the original recipe by half a cup. This subtle adjustment doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, ensuring the bars hold together beautifully while allowing you to indulge with a little less guilt. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your well-being!
Essential Ingredients for Your No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Bars
Crafting these delectable no-bake bars requires a few simple ingredients, easily found in most pantries. For the base, you’ll need the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. For the topping, we combine classic favorites to create a smooth, indulgent layer that elevates the entire treat.
For the Peanut Butter Honey Chex Bars Base:
- Honey
- Granulated sugar
- Creamy peanut butter
- Salt (adjust to your preference; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon works well for a hint of saltiness)
- Honey Nut Chex™ cereal
For the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache Topping:
- Milk chocolate chips or semisweet chocolate chips
- Creamy peanut butter
- Butter (either unsalted or salted will work, depending on your flavor preference)
Choosing quality ingredients can make a noticeable difference in the final taste. Opt for a good quality creamy peanut butter that’s easy to stir, and your favorite brand of chocolate chips for the ganache. These small choices contribute to the overall incredible flavor of your homemade bars.
Simple Steps to Make No-Bake Chex Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These bars are incredibly easy to make, perfect for novice bakers or anyone short on time. Follow these straightforward steps to create your irresistible treat:
- Begin by preparing a 13×9-inch pan. Lightly spray it with cooking spray. For even easier removal and cleaner cuts, you can line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring the lining extends up the sides to create handles. Spray the lining with cooking spray as well.
Creating the Peanut Butter Honey Chex Bars Base:
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey and granulated sugar. Microwave the mixture on high for approximately 2 minutes, stirring thoroughly every 30 seconds. Continue until the mixture just begins to boil, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Carefully add the creamy peanut butter and salt to the hot honey-sugar mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth, creating a luscious binding agent.
- Gently fold in the Honey Nut Chex cereal, making sure every piece is evenly coated with the peanut butter-honey mixture. Pour this cereal mixture into your prepared pan and press it down very firmly and evenly. This step is crucial for achieving well-formed, cohesive bars.
Preparing the Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache:
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips (or semisweet), creamy peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for about 1 minute. Remove and stir until the mixture is completely smooth and easily pourable, creating a rich ganache.
- Carefully spread the warm ganache evenly over the pressed cereal base in the pan, creating a beautiful, glossy top layer.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chocolate ganache has fully set and hardened.
- Once set, remove the bars from the refrigerator and cut them into 32 equally sized bars.
Tips for Perfectly Cut Chex Bars
Achieving neat and uniform bars is simple with a little trick. If you lined your pan with heavy-duty or nonstick foil, you’re already halfway there! Once the chocolate topping has completely set in the refrigerator, use the foil overhang as handles to gently lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place the slab on a cutting board, then use a sharp, warm knife to slice them into individual bars. Warming the knife under hot water and wiping it dry between cuts can help achieve cleaner edges. This method not only makes cutting effortless but also ensures a super easy cleanup!
Are These Chex Bars Gluten-Free?
- Absolutely! Both Rice Chex and Corn Chex cereals are certified gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, if you opt to use other cereal brands, or if you incorporate additional ingredients like candy or flavored chips, it’s crucial to carefully check the individual packaging of those products to ensure they are also gluten-free. This extra step guarantees your delicious homemade bars remain safe and suitable for all dietary needs.
Can I Use Something Other Than Chex Cereal?
- While the classic crunch and distinct texture of Honey Nut Chex cereal are undeniably delicious and contribute significantly to the overall appeal of these bars, you certainly have the flexibility to experiment with other cereals! Feel free to substitute your favorite crunchy cereal to create your unique flavor and texture combinations. This is also a fantastic way to utilize leftover cereals you might have on hand, making it a great money-saving tip and reducing food waste.
- Beyond cereals, consider adding a sweet and salty twist that’s simply irresistible! Incorporate crunchy pretzels, crushed potato chips for a savory note, or even roasted peanuts for extra protein and a nutty flavor. A combination of these elements can create a truly dynamic and unforgettable no-bake treat that caters to various tastes and preferences. Let your creativity guide you!
Preparing Ahead & Storing Your Chex Bars
- These delightful no-bake bars are perfect for making in advance, which is ideal if you’re planning a party, potluck, or simply want to have a quick dessert ready. You can easily prepare them the day before your event, allowing them ample time to set and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Storage Tips: Any leftover Chex bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness and texture, it’s best to consume them within a few days. While they will still be edible after that, they may begin to dry out and lose some of their delightful crispness. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also store them in the refrigerator, especially if your kitchen tends to be warm, ensuring the ganache remains firm.
These Honey Chex Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are the epitome of a perfect portable treat. They are ideal for road trips, a delightful addition to lunchboxes, or an easy-to-serve dessert that’s guaranteed to please a crowd at any party. Their utter deliciousness, combined with being gluten-free, makes them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy every single bite of this sweet, crunchy, and rich masterpiece!
Don’t forget to share your creations and connect with us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!
OMG Honey Chex Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
By Kim Lange
These no-bake Honey Chex Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are outrageously yummy sweet treats and incredibly easy to make! They’re delicious, crunchy bars featuring a peanut butter and honey base with honey-sweetened Chex cereal, topped with a rich milk chocolate peanut butter ganache.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 32 Bars
Keywords: bars, chex, chocolate, gluten free, honey, no bake, peanut butter
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Honey Chex Bars
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt (Use 1/2 teaspoon if you prefer a saltier taste)
- 5 ½ cups Honey Nut Chex™ cereal
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or 1 bag of milk chocolate chips)
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted can be used)
Instructions
- Spray a 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper or tin foil for easy removal and cleaner cutting into bars; remember to spray the lining with cooking spray as well.
Peanut Butter Honey Chex Bars
- Using a large microwave-safe bowl, mix together the honey and sugar. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the mixture just begins to boil.
- Add the peanut butter and salt to the mixture and stir well until fully combined.
- Stir in the cereal until every piece is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly into the pan to ensure it’s as even and compact as possible.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave the milk chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter on high for 1 minute. Stir until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
- Spread the ganache evenly on top of the bars.
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
- Once set, cut the bars into 32 pieces.
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